Veteran actress Anu Aggarwal, known for her iconic role in the 1990 film Aashiqui, has come out in support of Ranveer Singh’s controversial nude photoshoot for Paper Magazine. In a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, Aggarwal not only defended Singh’s bold move but also recalled her own experience with a topless scene in a short film back in 1994.
Anu Aggarwal’s Take on Ranveer Singh’s Photoshoot
When asked about Ranveer Singh‘s nude photoshoot that sparked nationwide debate, Anu Aggarwal expressed her approval, stating, “I think it is all good. A man, an actor needs to be daring. I think we cross our barriers as actors when we do such things… not just getting nude or naked, but also being able to cry openly in front of the camera.”
Aggarwal emphasized that being bold and taking risks is an essential part of an actor’s journey, and she believes that Singh’s photoshoot falls under that category. She praised his courage and daring spirit, which she believes is necessary for an actor to truly excel in their craft.
Anu Aggarwal’s Own Experience with a Topless Scene
In the same interview, Anu Aggarwal also recounted her experience with a topless scene in her 1994 short film The Cloud Door. She revealed that the scene was not originally part of the script, and she was shocked when asked to do it during the shoot.
“When I heard the script, this (scene) was not part of the script. When asked to do the bold scene during the shooting, I said no. I was shocked, I said ‘What do you mean?’ The issue was not the scene, or that I could not do it, the issue was that it was never a part of the script and I was not informed earlier… a month after the shoot wrapped up, I started questioning myself for refusing the scene. Then I was like ‘It was unethical, they should have informed me when they offered me the script’.”
Despite her initial reservations, Aggarwal eventually agreed to do the topless scene, but she felt “really bad about how it all went down as people lack ethics.” She took on the challenge with the support of her family, especially her mother, who stood by her decision.
Aggarwal’s Perspective on Nudity in Films
Anu Aggarwal believes that being topless or nude in films is not a big deal, especially when compared to the violence and hatred often depicted on the silver screen. She emphasized that as long as it is done tastefully and with consent, nudity should not be a taboo subject in the entertainment industry.
“Being topless in public is not something everyone does, it is a different thing… eventually we did shoot the topless scene but I felt really bad about how it all went down as people lack ethics. I took it on as a challenge, and my family, especially my mom, was very supportive… being topless is not a big deal, when we can show people killing, hating each other in films.”
Ranveer Singh’s Nude Photoshoot Controversy
Ranveer Singh’s nude photoshoot for Paper Magazine in July 2022 sparked a nationwide controversy, with many criticizing him for allegedly promoting nudity. Several police complaints were filed against the actor, accusing him of violating obscenity laws and hurting public sentiments.
Singh was booked under Indian Penal Code Section 292, 293, 509 and the IT Act, pertaining to the sale of obscene books, objects to young people, word, gesture or acts intended to insult modesty of a woman, and other related charges based on the NGO and Chaube’s plea.
Conclusion
Anu Aggarwal’s defense of Ranveer Singh’s nude photoshoot and her own experience with a topless scene in a film highlight the ongoing debate surrounding nudity and boldness in the entertainment industry. While some may find such acts controversial, Aggarwal believes that actors should not be afraid to take risks and push boundaries in their pursuit of artistic expression.
Her perspective serves as a reminder that as a society, we need to have open and honest conversations about nudity, consent, and the portrayal of the human body in films and other media. By embracing diversity and artistic freedom while also respecting boundaries and consent, the entertainment industry can continue to evolve and push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable.