Regina Cassandra Opens Up About Bollywood's Prejudice Against South Indian Actors
Actress Regina Cassandra, known for her work in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, has candidly revealed the prejudice and discrimination she faced in Bollywood, detailing how these experiences impacted her career trajectory in the industry.
Accent Bias and Professional Disrespect
Despite being proficient in reading, writing, and speaking Hindi, and having performed Hindi films using her own voice, Regina Cassandra was frequently doubted due to her South Indian accent. She expressed frustration at being treated as a newcomer despite her substantial experience in cinema, which includes numerous successful projects in South Indian film industries.
"What troubled me most was the clear double standard," Cassandra explained. "When Hindi actors display firmness, it's viewed as professionalism. However, when South Indian actors exhibit the same attitude, we're immediately branded as arrogant."
Non-Verbal Disrespect and Career Impact
In a revealing conversation with Hindustan Times, Regina Cassandra detailed that the disrespect she encountered extended beyond verbal remarks to include people's actions and overall approach toward her. She described situations where she felt looked down upon, creating discomfort that made her hesitant to accept more Bollywood projects for a significant period.
"The disrespect was palpable in how people interacted with me," she noted. "It wasn't just about what was said, but how I was treated in professional settings."
Despite these challenges, Cassandra acknowledged that not all experiences were negative, with good opportunities occasionally coming her way. Her situation illustrates how regional identity, combined with societal perceptions about women and gender stereotypes, can influence casting decisions and behavioral expectations in the film industry.
Call for Equal Respect Across Film Industries
Although working in Mumbai, Regina Cassandra emphasized that her emotional connection and sense of belonging remain firmly rooted in South Indian cinema, where her journey began and where she earned initial recognition. She stressed that in a diverse country like India, language and regional background should never become reasons for bias.
"These traits should not be given more or less value in any professional field," she asserted. Her remarks contribute to ongoing conversations about representation, inclusivity, language discrimination, and the urgent need for equal working conditions throughout the Indian film industry.
Career Journey and Future Projects
Regina Cassandra made her cinematic debut in 2005 with the Tamil film 'Kanda Naal Mudhal' and established herself as a recognized performer in Tamil and Telugu cinema before entering Bollywood with 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga'. Her Bollywood journey continued with a special appearance in 'Thalaivii' followed by roles in 'Jaat' and 'Kesari Chapter 2'.
Currently, Cassandra is balancing multiple projects across industries, including:
- 'Mookuthi Amman 2' in Tamil
- Two upcoming Hindi film projects
Throughout her diverse career, she continues to advocate for dignified treatment and fair opportunities for all performers regardless of regional background, language proficiency, or industry experience.
