Actress Tamannaah Bhatia has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding remarks made by veteran actor Annu Kapoor regarding her appearance. The comments, which first surfaced in 2025, became a significant point of discussion on social media, drawing widespread criticism. Speaking for the first time on the matter at the NDTV Profit Ignite 2026 event, Bhatia highlighted her approach to navigating such public discourse.
During a session at the event, the actress was asked about the comments Kapoor made concerning her complexion and body. “I think that as a creative person, our most important task is to listen. And when we listen, what we keep and what we filter is very important to understand,” Bhatia said. She explained that she consciously chooses to distance herself from such commentary, noting, “If we start giving importance to such things, then perhaps we will not be able to move forward in life.”
The actress reiterated that her primary focus remains her career and the creative projects she undertakes. “I don’t even see these things. I focus on my work. I focus on what I want to make. I focus on my acting career,” she added. Describing her profession as a form of service, Bhatia stated that her dedication to her craft allows her work to connect with audiences, as she believes it originates from a sincere place.
The controversy in question originated in 2025 during an appearance by Annu Kapoor on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel. While discussing a song titled "Aaj Ki Raat" from the film Stree 2, in which Bhatia performed, Kapoor made remarks about her appearance, specifically using the phrase "dudhiya badan" (milky body). Kapoor further framed his comments as a "blessing," suggesting that her appearance in the song helped children sleep, a statement that was met with significant backlash from viewers who felt the language used was inappropriate and objectifying.
Following the public outcry, Annu Kapoor addressed the situation in a July 2026 interview with Zoom. He defended his original comments by arguing that the negative reaction was influenced by a societal preference for English over Hindi, suggesting that the same sentiment might have been perceived differently if expressed in English. He also stated that he was open to offering an apology if the actress felt personally offended by his remarks or if she chose to raise the issue with him directly.
For Tamannaah Bhatia, the incident serves as a moment to reinforce her professional boundaries. She has previously spoken about the pressures and the "disturbing gaze" female actors often encounter within the industry, describing such scrutiny as non-complimentary. Her recent statements suggest a shift toward ignoring public controversy to maintain focus on her long-term goals in cinema.
As of now, the actress appears to be moving past the incident, centering her public narrative on her work ethic and artistic contributions. The incident highlights the ongoing conversation regarding the treatment of female actors in Indian media and the shifting expectations regarding public commentary on appearance.
Comments