Denisha Ghumra, noted actor from Gujarat, recently voiced displeasure over body specific assessment in films instead of one based on talent.
Describing her journey, the lady who hails from Jamnagar, says, “Initially, when I moved to Ahmedabad, I faced many rejections due to my tone. Casting directors would figure out that I hail from Saurashtra and would casually presume that I would bring my Kathiawadi element to all my roles.”
Denisha made a mark with her performance in Hellaro (2019) directed by Abhishek Shah. She was awarded the National award for the film on Garba. She also featured in Raktbeej (2022) and Baadal Jal Baras Rahat (2021).
Denisha has worked with directors like Surendranath (NSD), Satyendra Singh Parmar (Upasana) and has learnt theatre under Abhinay Banker.
Denisha studied management in Ahmedabad, interned in a radio channel and soon realised this was not for her. She wanted to carve her path in acting but it was not easy. “People judge you because you are a woman. They think I got it easy just because I look decent, and can act a bit. It is humiliating and frustrating to see people ignore all the hard work you put in simply because you are a woman.”
Be it Gujarati film industry or world cinema, women actors are stereotyped. Denisha experienced something similar. “I’m still trying to understand how to navigate through the industry where you are judged by your kilos. I recently got a call from a casting director saying ‘we heard you lost a few kilos, why don’t you audition for us now!’ It hurts to see that people put little value on talent.”
Her favourite actor is Vidya Balan. Denisha points out that even Vidya Balan had to lose weight to get Parineeta movie. ” I think I will have to walk on the same lines.”
Denisha recently married her longtime beau, Ahmedabad based classical musician Balraj Shastri.
