Girija Oak, a well-known actor in both Marathi and Hindi cinema, has spoken candidly about how ethnicity and physical appearance impact casting decisions in the entertainment industry. She noted that these perceptions can be a double-edged sword, sometimes helping actors secure roles and other times hindering their chances.
Girija Oak Calls Ethnicity in Casting a 'Strange Game of Perception'
In an interview with PTI, Oak said, "I haven't done any Marathi work in the last few years, and of late, more Hindi projects have come my way. I've always been offered a variety of roles. Maybe I don't look Maharashtrian, or maybe I do to some people. Sometimes your ethnicity can work in your favour, and sometimes it can work against you. It's a strange game of perception."
Girija Oak's Journey from 'Taare Zameen Par' to 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata'
Over the years, Oak has built an impressive body of work across Marathi and Hindi cinema. Notable projects include ‘Goshta Choti Dongraevadhi’, ‘Gulmohar’, ‘Baji’, ‘Taare Zameen Par’, ‘Shor in the City’, ‘Jawan’, and ‘Inspector Zende’. She was most recently seen in ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’, which has just hit the screens.
Girija Oak's Casting in 'Perfect Family' Breaks Industry Stereotypes
Oak cited her casting in the 2025 series Perfect Family as a prime example of breaking stereotypes. Cast by renowned casting director Mukesh Chhabra, she believes this role defied typical industry norms and expectations.
Girija Oak on Playing a Punjabi Character in 'Perfect Family': 'It Ultimately Comes Down to How People Perceive Me'
In the series, Oak plays Neeti Karkaria, a daughter-in-law caught in the tensions of a dysfunctional Punjabi family. Discussing how ethnicity has influenced her casting, she said, "Some people cast me for Maharashtrian characters because I can speak the language well and mix it with 'Bambaiya Hindi'. Although I don't speak that way in real life, I can work on it if the character requires it. So, if language and appearance are the only considerations, then it ultimately comes down to how people perceive me. But overall, it has worked in my favour."
The 38-year-old actor also revealed she was recently offered the role of the mother of a 40-year-old male lead, which surprised her. She recalled a contrasting experience with filmmaker Atlee during the casting of Jawan, who told her she looked very young and was a perfect fit for Shah Rukh Khan's core team.
Girija Oak on 'Inspector Zende' Bringing Her a New Audience: 'Cross-Pollination Between Mediums Is the Best Reward'
Reflecting on the uncertainty around how she is perceived, Oak said, "So, I don't know how I'm perceived, where I'm placed in terms of age, ethnicity, region." In Jawan, she played Iskra, one of six core female vigilantes working alongside Shah Rukh Khan's character. She also expressed gratitude for her role in Inspector Zende opposite Manoj Bajpayee, which brought her new recognition. She said, "Suddenly, a section of the audience has watched my work, and a new audience base has connected with me. The best outcome is that I do a lot of theatre, and every time I have a show, at least three people come up to me and say, 'We're watching theatre for the first time because we saw you on social media or watched one of your films.' So, this cross-pollination between mediums is the best reward."
Girija Oak Receives Widespread Acclaim for Her Role as a Nurse in 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata'
Oak is currently being praised by audiences and critics for her powerful portrayal of a nurse in ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’, released on Friday. The film tells the inspiring story of nurses and ward boys at Cama Hospital who bravely saved lives during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Led by Kangana Ranaut, the film also stars Smita Tambe and Esha Dey as nurses, and is written and directed by Manoj Tapadia. To ensure authentic performances, Oak and her co-stars underwent intensive workshops with real nurses training them on medical procedures like handling syringes and setting up saline drips.
Esha Dey Visits Hospital to Prepare for Her Role in 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata'
Esha Dey shared that she visited a hospital personally to speak with real nurses and staff to prepare for her role. She was moved by their humility and camera-shyness. Expressing her feelings, she said, "I feel grateful that we are representing such people, who are not able to talk about themselves because nobody has really acknowledged their work. We always remember doctors, but we don't remember which nurse was there at my birth." ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’ is produced by PEN Studios, Manikarnika Films, and Paramhans Creations, in association with Eunoia Films LLP and Floating Rocks Entertainment Pvt Ltd.
