Bipasha Basu says muscular women were shunned in Bollywood when she began

Veteran Bollywood star Bipasha Basu told the media that when she entered the film industry, a muscular physique was considered unsuitable for female leads. She said casting directors and producers preferred a more conventional, slender look, limiting opportunities for women with athletic builds. Basu reflected that this bias shaped the types of roles offered to her and many of her contemporaries. The actress, known for her fitness regimen, highlighted how industry standards have gradually evolved, but she noted that the stigma around muscular women persists in some quarters. Her comments come amid ongoing discussions about body image and representation in Indian cinema.