Gayathri is an answer to the fairness-obsessed film industry

Though she has faced criticisms for her skin tone, the youngster has made up her mind to not take them seriously. 

“I was so passionate about acting, but never thought I can be a part of the entertainment industry just because of my complexion. I used to participate in various cultural activities in college and my friends encouraged me to take up acting as a profession. After completing my Bachelor’s, I attended a few auditions, but nothing worked in my favour. I was turned down owing to my skin colour. I was so frustrated and decided to do my Chartered Accountancy. Just one week before my classes started, I got a call from the Perazhagi team to be a part of their promos. I read the script and there was a striking resemblance between the lead character and my life,” she talks in between the shoot break. In Perazhagi, Gayathri plays the character Podhum Ponnu, who fights to survive in a society obsessed with skin colour.  

Gayathri says that it’s high time people get over their obsession with certain body image. “Even after the umpteen awareness campaigns, many are still obsessed with the idea of fair skin. There is a section of filmmakers who give importance to a set of beauty standards — it’s alarming. Talent takes a backseat in such cases. That said, the trend is slowly changing - the current crop of directors is looking at talent alone,” quips Gayathri. 

Even after being rejected by the industry initially, she is determined to make it big. “I am confident that I can pull off any roles that come my way. I want to tell young girls that it is talent that matters the most,” she says.