Malavika Mohanan reveals South's obsession with navel is 'real': 'I was trolled so much for being skinny... it really affected me'

Actor Malavika Mohanan, known for working in various Indian film industries, opened up about constant body-shaming remarks. She said people often tell her she's either too skinny or too chubby. Malavika also highlighted the South’s ‘navel obsession’ and preference for fuller figures, expressing her discomfort with such comments.

Conflicting Beauty Standards Across Cities

In a chat with Hauterrfly, Malavika Mohanan shared how different film industries have varying views on ideal female bodies. In Mumbai, she's told to lose weight; in Chennai, she's told she looked better with it. These conflicting comments left her confused, but now she focuses on staying healthy and fit.

Navel Obsession in South Indian Films

Malavika Mohanan shared that she found the South Indian film industry's fascination with navels quite surprising at first, having grown up in Mumbai. She said the obsession is real, with people even zooming in on actresses’ navels in photos. It was a cultural shift she had to adjust to.

Trolled for Being Skinny in Her Early Career

Malavika Mohanan recalled being body-shamed when she entered films at 21, saying she was trolled for being too skinny since South Indian audiences preferred curvier women. The harsh criticism deeply affected her, though her body naturally changed in her mid-20s. She began her career with Pattam Pole and has starred in Master, Petta, Thangalaan, and Yudhra.