Actor Divya Prabha has addressed the leak of a nude scene from her film All We Imagine As Light, expressing her disappointment and frustration. Speaking to Onmanorama, Divya described the incident as "really pathetic" and admitted she had "anticipated such a response" from some quarters.
Divya on Intolerance Toward Such Roles
Responding to accusations that she performed the scene for fame, she firmly stated, "I don’t need to strip naked to earn fame." In the film, helmed by Payal Kapadia, Divya portrays Anu, a young Malayali nurse.
Speaking from the sets of director Thamar KV’s upcoming film in Dubai, Divya highlighted the double standards faced by actresses in her community.
She said, "It is really pathetic. However, I had anticipated such a response from a section of the people in Kerala even when I signed up for the role. We are a community that celebrates filmmakers like Yorgos Lanthimos and even the actress who won the Oscar for her work in the film. But we are intolerant of Malayali women doing such roles. I am glad to see there were people, especially men, who opposed the act. This shows there is a lot of hope in the present generation."
Addressing Criticism
Divya also spoke about the mindset of those who shared the leaked video, noting, "Those who shared the leaked videos comprise 10 per cent of the population, and I don’t understand their mindset. Malayalis were also part of the Central Board, which gave us the approval. As an actor, I do scripts I am convinced about, and I was totally convinced about my character in All We Imagine As Light."
"Some people criticised me, saying that I did the nude scene for fame. I have won several awards and have also been part of critically acclaimed movies. I don’t think I need to strip naked to earn fame."
About All We Imagine As Light
Currently running in theaters, All We Imagine As Light features Divya Prabha alongside Kani Kusruti, Chhaya Kadam, and Hridhu Haroon in lead roles. The film, an Indo-French co-production, scripted history by becoming the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.
Produced by Petit Chaos from France and Chalk & Cheese and Another Birth from India, the movie has garnered critical acclaim globally.