Malavika Mohanan on Body Image, Beauty Ideals, South Cinema’s Navel Obsession
Actress opens up about regional beauty standards and the pressure to maintain a “desirable” physique across industries
Malavika Mohanan, who is eagerly awaiting the release of her big-ticket Telugu film The Raja Saab alongside superstar Prabhas, is already a well-known face in Tamil and Malayalam cinema. She began her career in Malayalam films with Pattam Pole and went on to make a mark in Tamil films. With experience across multiple industries—including Hindi—Malavika recently opened up about the varying expectations and challenges actresses face in different regions.
One striking observation she shared was about the South Indian film industry’s fascination with the female navel. “Navel obsession is a real thing,” Malavika admitted in a recent interview. Growing up in Mumbai, she wasn’t initially aware of this cultural nuance, but once she started working in South Indian films, she noticed the emphasis. “It was a completely new phenomenon. You’d even see pictures of actresses on social media where people zoom in on their bodies,” she explained.
She also pointed out the contrast in body image standards across regions. While Mumbai tends to favour lean, gym-toned physiques, Southern audiences often prefer a fuller or "chubbier" appearance. This difference, she noted, can be difficult for actresses trying to appeal to multiple markets.
“It’s tough for a heroine to transition between roles and maintain a desirable physique that attracts audiences,” Malavika said. She also expressed concern over how the focus has shifted from the roles actresses play to how they look on screen. “That’s the sad part,” she added, reflecting the growing pressures actresses face today.