Dhaka: Actor Sai Pallavi has revealed that she turned down a reported Rs 2 crore endorsement deal for a fairness cream because she did not want to promote products that could make people feel insecure about their skin colour. The actor, set to portray Sita in "Ramayana: Part 1," emphasized the importance of self-confidence in one's natural appearance rather than conforming to societal beauty standards.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Sai Pallavi shared in a previous interview with Bollywood Hungama that she has consistently avoided endorsing beauty products. She explained that she seldom uses makeup, choosing instead to appear naturally on screen. "You need to be confident about who you are and your skin colour," she stated, reinforcing her personal philosophy.
The actor's decision was also influenced by her younger sister's experiences. Sai Pallavi recounted how her sister was often encouraged to consume certain foods believed to lighten skin tone, which deeply upset her. "I felt I needed to stand up for that, at least for my sister's sake. Otherwise, what would I do with all that money?" she expressed.
Sai Pallavi also reflected on her own struggles with acne before joining the film industry. She had experimented with numerous skincare products due to self-consciousness about her appearance. "I didn't want to leave home because I thought people would only notice my pimples," she shared. However, her debut in the 2015 Malayalam film "Premam" showed her that audiences accepted her despite her acne, boosting her self-confidence.
Many young people have since expressed feeling encouraged by seeing someone succeed without concealing skin conditions, according to Sai Pallavi. This realization inspired her to avoid endorsing products that might lead individuals to question their appearance or feel less confident about themselves. While she respects those who choose to endorse such brands, Sai Pallavi remains committed to her beliefs and values.