Shanthi Priya Challenges Beauty Norms with Bold Head-Shave and Tribute to Late Husband

Apr, 11 2025

Shanthi Priya, remembered by many for her role alongside Akshay Kumar in the 1991 film Saugandh, has recently stirred quite the conversation by adopting a daring new appearance. The 55-year-old actress decided to shave her head, a move she announced through striking photos shared on Instagram. Perhaps even more poignant, she chose to wear a brown blazer that once belonged to her late husband, Siddharth Ray, who sadly passed away in 2004. Priya paired this tribute with black stockings, smoky eyes, and chunky gold earrings, crafting a look that was both bold and steeped in personal meaning.

In her Instagram post accompanying these images, Priya eloquently voiced her defiance of societal beauty norms, declaring her recent transformation as a step towards personal liberation. She wrote about freeing herself from the 'limitations and beauty standards the world has set upon us.' Her post quickly went viral, generating a storm of mixed reactions. Some fans enthusiastically applauded her courage and conviction, celebrating her as a role model for challenging conventional ideas of beauty.

However, not all responses were positive. Among the critiques, a particularly vocal critic chastised her for abandoning the traditional image often associated with South Indian beauty. Such comments echo the rigid expectations Priya has sought to defy. Despite initial hesitations, driven by long-standing industry biases demanding actresses like her to have 'glamorous, flawless, long and flowing hair,' Priya committed to her decision, signaling a departure from norms that prioritized outward appearance over personal authenticity.

Priya's Return to the Silver Screen

Aside from her striking new look, Shanthi Priya’s life and career have also experienced a renaissance. Recently, she returned to the spotlight with a role in the Tamil film Bad Girl, set for release in 2025. This marked an important return to acting after years spent focusing on raising her children. Her journey back into the industry wasn't without its trials.

Priya's experiences with industry pressure started early, including a painful incident involving Akshay Kumar during the filming of Saugandh. The actress recalls Kumar making an insensitive comment that left her emotionally wounded. This incident underscored the challenges of navigating an industry often less forgiving to women. When Priya attempted a more recent comeback, she encountered Kumar once more on the set of Holiday: A Soldier is Never Off Duty, where he reportedly dismissed her aspiration to reclaim a leading role.

The audacious photoshoot featuring her husband's blazer isn’t just a personal tribute but also a broader statement of empowerment. By showcasing her individuality and resilience, Shanthi Priya stands as a testament to breaking free from societal confines and forging one’s path, inspiring others to embrace their truths without fear of censure.