Manipuri actor Lin Laishram on Priyanka owning up to not looking anything like 'Mary Kom'

Recently, Chopra went on to accept and acknowledge that she looked nothing like Mary Kom.

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Lin Laishram and Priyanka Chopra

A controversy that erupted back in 2014 found its way back a couple of days ago which included actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas and the film, Mary Kom. Chopra played the titular role of Mary Kom in the biopic and while her performance was appreciated and the film was a commercial success as well, there was a certain section that would bash Chopra and makers for not casting a Northeast actor to play Mary Kom.

Recently, Chopra went on to accept and acknowledge that she looked nothing like Mary Kom. Now, actor Lin Laishram, who hails from Manipur has praised Chopra for acknowledging the lack of diverse casting in her 2014 film Mary Kom. In that interview, Chopra also agreed that someone from the Northeast should have played the role.

Interestingly, Lin played a small role in the film. In an interview with ETimes, Laishram said, “I really appreciate that Priyanka owned up to it, and this speaks volumes because she’s not only a Bollywood actor but an international star. So, for her to stand up for something which is a fact only garners more respect not only from me, but from all the people who go through racism or discrimination on a daily basis.”

In on her earlier interactions, Laishram had opened up about this misrepresentation in the film. So, when asked whether she had expressed her reservations with the film's team while working on it, she said, “Unfortunately, I didn’t. I was too young and new to the industry. A movie was getting made on our people and I was just happy being part of it. Back then, I felt that was the process. I feel casting is one of the most important processes of filmmaking, especially in a biopic. I feel keeping the look of the actor close to the ethnicity of the character is extremely important for believability and authenticity.”

She also mentioned how she feels Bollywood lacks options when it comes to casting Northeastern actors in their projects. “There is a lot of talent waiting to be explored from the Northeast. Unfortunately, people don’t write significant roles for us. Writers and directors feel disconnected and producers feel that we are not saleable enough. But with OTT platforms coming in, this is changing. We have a few options opening up and I’m hoping to see more projects for us,” she concluded.

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Priyanka Chopra Thumbnail

Priyanka Chopra

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Mary Kom

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