Muhammad Amanullah
September 3, 2026
The True Post — Physical appearance and body shape continue to play an important role in the Indian film industry, where actors can sometimes face professional challenges because of changes in their appearance.
Bengali actress Ritu Bharati Chakraborty has opened up about her own experience with weight gain, revealing that changes to her body affected her professional opportunities and resulted in her losing several film roles.
Reason Behind Her Physical Changes
Speaking in an interview with NDTV, Chakraborty said her weight increased because of repeated surgeries and medication. She also had to gain an additional 15 kilograms for a film role.
According to the actress, the significant change in her weight affected not only her physical appearance but also her career in the entertainment industry.
Heavy Criticism on Social Media
Chakraborty said that after gaining weight, she faced severe criticism from some people on social media.
She recalled that the reaction was so harsh that it felt as though she had committed a major crime or taken something away from someone simply by gaining weight.
Lost Several Film Roles
The actress revealed that she lost several film opportunities after gaining weight.
She said the film industry still maintains particular expectations regarding women’s bodies, with actresses often expected to remain slim and fit a certain physical image.
Pressure Over Men’s Preferences
Chakraborty said there was continued pressure for women to remain thin because, in her view, men often wanted to see slimmer women.
She expressed concern that men’s opinions can sometimes become the most influential factor when it comes to judging women’s appearance.
According to the actress, such expectations about women’s looks can directly affect their professional opportunities.
She Also Followed Extreme Diets
Chakraborty said she herself had been extremely thin earlier in her career.
She revealed that at one point, a doctor advised her to gain weight because she was undergoing repeated surgeries. This eventually resulted in significant changes to her body.
Avoided Carbohydrates for 10 Days
The actress also spoke about the extreme dieting practices she followed in the past.
She said there were times when she completely avoided carbohydrates for 10 consecutive days. Before photoshoots, she would sometimes even stop drinking water in an attempt to look slimmer and better in pictures.
Chakraborty said her desire to appear beautiful and thin led her to put considerable pressure on her own health.
Exercised Despite Long Working Hours
The actress said she once continued exercising despite working approximately 16 hours a day.
According to Chakraborty, she would work out on a treadmill even after long shooting schedules. However, repeated surgeries and spending several months confined to bed eventually made it impossible for her to maintain the same routine.
Breathlessness Changed Her Lifestyle
Chakraborty said that after buying her dream home in 2024, she became busy decorating and arranging it.
One day, while climbing the stairs in her house, she noticed that she was becoming unusually short of breath.
The experience prompted her to reassess her health and lifestyle. She subsequently decided to become more physically active in her daily routine.
Now Focused on Staying Active
Chakraborty said she now tries to remain active even while at home.
She walks on the rooftop, listens to music and avoids sitting in one place for long periods.
She also sought help from a nutritionist to manage her weight. She said she was introduced to the nutritionist through actress Subhashree Ganguly.
Journey From Television to Films
Ritu Bharati Chakraborty began her acting career with the television show Ogo Bodhu Sundori, before moving into films.
She has appeared in several successful Bengali productions, including Fatafati, Bohorupi and Brahma Janen Gopon Kommoti.
Bollywood Appearance
Chakraborty also made an appearance in Bollywood in 2017, starring in Anushka Sharma’s supernatural thriller Pari.
In addition to acting, she has also explored other areas of filmmaking. She acted in and took on production responsibilities for the short film Naked.
Chakraborty’s experience highlights the pressure that performers can face because of expectations surrounding body image.
The actress has said that she now places greater importance on her health, physical activity and maintaining a balanced lifestyle rather than trying to meet unrealistic expectations about appearance.
