In 2022, Bollywood sensation Ranveer Singh found himself at the center of a heated controversy after participating in a nude photoshoot for an international magazine. The bold move sparked widespread debate, drawing both harsh criticism and laudable support from various quarters. Now, years after this incident stirred public discourse, veteran actress Anu Aggarwal has stepped forward to express her support for Singh, recounting her own experience with a topless scene in a 1994 film.
Anu Aggarwal, known for her pioneering roles and fearless screen presence, revisited her journey in an interview with Bollywood Bubble. She reflected on her topless scene in ‘The Cloud Door’, a film that presented similar challenges to those faced by Singh. She revealed that the bold scene was not originally part of the script when she signed on for the film. “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,” she explained.
Her recounting didn’t stop there. She shared how the lack of prior knowledge about the scene’s inclusion made her question her initial refusal. “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,’” Aggarwal stated. This ethical dilemma weighed heavily on her, exacerbated by the unexpected nature of the request made during production.
Despite the ethical concerns and her initial reservations, Aggarwal eventually decided to shoot the scene. She discussed the personal and professional challenges it entailed, as well as the support she received from her family. “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,” she said.
. Highlighting the paradoxical nature of societal acceptance, she added, “Being topless is not a big deal when we can show people killing and hating each other in films.”
When asked to weigh in on Ranveer Singh’s bold photoshoot for Paper magazine, Aggarwal displayed unwavering solidarity. “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,” she opined. Aggarwal’s perspective meshed well with the broader discourse on creative expression and the essence of acting—pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.
Singh’s controversial photoshoot had undeniably polarized public opinion. However, he also garnered significant support from industry insiders and contemporaries who lauded his courage and audacity. Industry veterans and emerging stars alike echoed sentiments similar to Aggarwal’s, arguing that bold choices in the arts pave the way for greater creative freedom.
On the career front, despite the controversy, Ranveer Singh continued to thrive in the film industry. He was recently seen in the romantic comedy ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ a film that added another feather to his cap. Looking ahead, fans eagerly anticipate his roles in Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Don 3’ and Rohit Shetty’s ‘Singham Again,’ both expected to be major blockbusters.
Aggarwal’s reflection and support serve as a testament to the evolving perception of daring artistic choices in Bollywood. The controversy surrounding Singh may have stirred the pot, but it also brought to the fore essential conversations about artistic freedom, the ethics of filmmaking, and societal acceptance. As both Aggarwal and Singh continue their journeys, their stories of courage and integrity mark significant milestones in the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
While public opinion remains divided, one thing is clear: the conversation ignited by such bold artistic choices is far from over, continuing to influence and shape the industry’s future profoundly. The resilience and support from peers like Aggarwal only highlight the importance of solidarity and understanding in the world of showbiz, where taking risks often paves the way for groundbreaking art.
