Actor-producer Lakshmi Manchu has opened up about long-standing stereotypes surrounding South cinema, the industry’s beauty standards, and the challenges women face in films. Speaking on a range of topics—from the so-called “navel obsession” to pressures of appearance and family restrictions—Lakshmi offered an unfiltered perspective on issues rarely discussed openly.
‘Navel obsession exists everywhere, not just in the South’
Responding to a question about a claim that the South is “obsessed with the navel” and has a “big breast obsession,” Lakshmi disagreed with the generalisation, saying such views are reductive and misinformed.She explained that the stereotype likely persists because “we naturally have bigger breasts than actresses in the North,” adding that mainstream Hindi cinema has long showcased navels too.“Tell me one Hindi film from the 80s to now that doesn’t show the navel,” she said during a conversation with Hauterrfly, pointing out that even films from regions like Bihar have songs centred around it. “From Karan Johar to Sanjay Leela Bhansali, there have been navels everywhere.”
‘Bombay carries a chip on its shoulder’
Lakshmi also offered a sharp comparison between working cultures in Bollywood and the South, noting that the North tends to be harsher and more appearance-driven.“In Bombay, people carry a chip on their shoulder. If you walk in, someone is immediately judging you,” she said, recalling conversations where people bluntly told her she needed to lose weight or adjust her appearance. In contrast, she said the Telugu industry does not give time or validation easily, and clout does not matter there. “Only in Bombay do you have all this clout.”
‘Everybody looks the same now—mouth, eyes, nose’
The actor also addressed the increasing pressure to look a certain way, saying people freely comment on features like noses, leading to uniformity in appearances.“Some people tell me I look like this person or that person… everyone has the same nose now. Even in Dubai, everyone’s mouth, eyes, nose look identical,” she remarked.When asked whether she had undergone cosmetic procedures herself, Lakshmi was forthright, “I do Botox on my nose. I had a dip because of an injury, and it doesn’t look nice on screen. Botox smoothens it.”She also revealed she recently underwent an Alma laser treatment. “It’s bloody painful, but it lifts your skin and improves collagen. What’s the shame in saying it?”
‘How many actors’ daughters are allowed to work?’
Lakshmi spoke about a longstanding belief that many South Indian male actors discourage the women in their families—sisters and daughters—from joining the industry. She confirmed that she has faced this mindset too.“I’m still tackling it,” she said. “Tell me how many actors’ daughters you know who are in the industry? Not actresses’ daughters—actors’ daughters.” Go to Source