India, April 15 -- Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson reflected on challenges she faced as a young actor in the early 2000s, describing the period as "tough" and marked by intense scrutiny over women's appearances. Speaking to CBS Sunday Morning, the 41-year-old actor talked about how it was "socially acceptable" at the time for actresses to be "pulled apart for how they looked," adding that opportunities for women were significantly limited compared to today. Rising to fame with Lost in Translation (2003) and Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003), Johansson recalled being typecast into repetitive roles. "You would get really pigeon-holed and offered the same [roles]. It would be like the other woman, or the side piece, the bombshell." She also spoke about the pressure amongst the actors to accept every offer: "Once you start working, you really feel like every job is going to be your last and that if you get opportunities to work, you have to keep taking them. Even though they might not be as varied as the jobs that really give you pleasure, that you can learn from and challenge yourself with." Over time, she learned to be more selective and patient, choosing roles that offered creative satisfaction and growth. She also found solace in working within New York's theatre circuit, away from the pressures of Hollywood. Johansson expressed optimism about the current landscape, noting that there are now "much more empowering roles available" for young women compared to when she began her career. She added that it took time to gain confidence in her footing within the industry, eventually realising she could pursue meaningful projects without fear of being forgotten.HTC...