India, July 4 -- The pressure to look perfect in the film industry has only intensified with the rise of social media, believes actor Kajal Aggarwal. Reflecting on how beauty standards have evolved over the years, the actor said today's generation of actresses faces far harsher scrutiny than she did when she entered the industry. Kajal recalled being asked to gain or lose weight for films and admitted that she feels sorry for young female actors navigating the industry's "merciless" beauty standards.

In an interview with Zoom, Kajal spoke about the early years of her career, saying the industry was very different when she started nearly two decades ago. Although there was no social media amplifying every public appearance or airport look...