Students applying for Beijing Film Academy. [Photo: CFP]

"It's your personal right to have cosmetic surgery," said Yang Qindi, 17, a student from the PLA Academy of the Arts and candidate for the enrollment exam of the Beijing Film Academy.

In response, Wang Jinsong said the institute worries those who have undergone plastic surgery might have body coordination problems, and the scars left after the surgery would prevent them from performing a role properly in a play.

"We want to pick out the 'natural beauties' with performance talent," Wang said.

Wang said it is okay to have certain adjustments, like wearing a dental brace, but restructuring bones or modifying the nose is out of the question.

Director Li said most operations will not cause any problems if done properly. And the scars are usually well hidden and not easily discovered.

But he also admitted some surgeries, if not properly conducted, would seriously affect daily life.

"You can't even laugh if your chin bones are not properly filled up," said Li. "That will surely affect your work as an actor."

According to the academy, of the 6,185 candidates applying for the institute, only more than 1,000 people will be admitted in the first round.