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In a recent interview, Shanthi Priya shared her struggles with her skin tone and the determination that led her to finally embrace it.
Shanthi Priya revealed she used to be always worried about her makeup. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Popular actress Shanthi Priya has been part of multiple movies and television shows since her debut in 1987. But she has faced the brutal wrath of ‘perfectionism’ in the industry that comes with certain beauty standards, including skin tone, body shape and more. In a recent video, the Phool Aur Angaar fame opened up about her challenges in the personal life and film industry due to her skin tone.
On Instagram, Shanthi Priya posted a video discussing her personal and emotional journey with her skin tone. The actress, known for her acting and dancing skills, revealed the challenges she faced in her entire life due to her dusky skin tone. She mentioned getting comments about it, which led to her self-doubt. She said, “There was a time when I wouldn’t step out without makeup. I was always worried: Did I do my makeup properly? Is my tone correct?”
With time, Shanthi Priya accepted that these comments are part and parcel of her profession, as she needs to be constantly in the public eye. She mentioned, “I understand it’s a part of our profession,” adding, “I had to try so many brands, so many products, liquid, powder, and everything else. It took a lot of hard work.” Over the years, the Mere Sajana Saath Nibhana actress decided to start something special, where she will share how she learned about makeup with her favourite products. This made her journey truly inspiring as she learned to accept herself with utmost confidence. She concluded, “This is my world, and I want to take you along on this journey.”
In the video’s caption, she wrote, “Every journey begins with a step, and this new one starts by being unapologetically me. For years, as an actress, I’ve faced the camera with layers of makeup, not just for the craft but often to meet the industry’s idea of ‘perfect.’ My skin tone, my natural self, has been called out, judged, and hidden under expectations. But today, I’m stepping forward with my truth, a series that’s deeply personal and close to my heart.”
She further mentioned, “Through this journey, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my makeup world, my favorite products, go-to tricks, everyday routines, and even the makeup secrets that help me shine at events. I’ll also explore new products, test new shades, and show you that makeup isn’t just about covering up, it’s about embracing and enhancing who you are. To everyone who has ever felt like they weren’t enough because of their skin tone or looks—this is for you.”
Coming to Shanthi Priya’s professional front, the actress made her acting debut with the 1987 Telugu film Kaboye Alludu before making her Tamil debut with Enga Ooru Pattukaran the same year. She also played the role of Shakuntala in the mythological television serial Vishwamitra (1989).
After working in nearly 25 films in Tamil and Telugu, she entered Bollywood with Raj N. Sippy’s Saugandh in 1991. At present, she is part of the MX Player series Dharavi Bank. Shanthi Priya is also the brand ambassador for Solitario Diamonds and an Advisory board member of the World Designing form.
