Bollywood Actors who faced heartbreaking racism
In a country obsessed with fair skin, it is not very uncommon for people of varying complexions to face criticism. Turns out that even the best of Bollywood celebrities have been victims of such heartbreaking racism. These brilliant actors are thus examples for the entire country to never let talent get overshadowed by colour of someone's skin.
Bipasha Basu
The newly wedded Bollywood bride, Bipasha Basu, looked ravishing in her recent photos. While people across the country admired her beauty, there were some still taunting her for her dusky skin. In fact, once Kareena Kapoor had allegedly called her a "kaali billi" (black cat), referring to her skin tone.
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra is making our country proud by leaving a mark even in the international TV and film industry. But did you know this versatile actress had faced a lot of criticism in Bollywood for her complexion too? Priyanka might have had a rough start but now she's busy showing the world that skin colour will never be greater than talent and hard work.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
It is not new to hear famous actor Rishi Kapoor pass insensitive comments over other actors. He didn't even spare the critically acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Recently he was quoted saying "You (Siddiqui) haven't done it (running around trees) in your life; neither will you get a chance to do it. And you aren't capable of doing it either. You don't have the image; you don't have the talent." It was a shrewd remark on Siddiqui's looks.
Smita Patil
Famous veteran actress Smita Patil was a victim of blatant racism too. Bollywood industry demeaned her time and again with rude remarks on the colour of her skin. However, this poignant lady is remembered to never have let such comments shatter her self-confidence.
Famous veteran actress Smita Patil was a victim of blatant racism too. Bollywood industry demeaned her time and again with rude remarks on the colour of her skin. However, this poignant lady is remembered to never have let such comments shatter her self-confidence.
Manoj Bajpai
Manoj Bajpai is a critically acclaimed actor and did a great job in Shyam Benegal's Zubeida where he played the role of a prince. But the racism that followed went so far ahead, it hurt the actor's sentiments too. In his own words, "Many stars had refused the project, after which Shyam Benegal approached me for the role. I told him that I hardly look like royalty, to which he said that none of the princes look better than me. I then took on the role but when the film released, despite the rave reviews I got for my performance, one critic said in his review that I didn't look anything like a prince. Now that really hurt me."
Usha Jadhav
The plight of dusky actors in Bollywood industry is awfully painful. "Many producers refused to cast me because of the colour of my skin. They'd say that they want a fair girl to play the heroine" said Usha Jadhav, a national-award winning actress, in a recent interview.
Dhanush
As though sufferings of actors facing racism weren't enough, even directors who would cast them experienced a lot of criticism. Dhanush starrer Raanjhanaa' was directed by Anand Rai who recalled in an event "I was told that the hero has to fair and good-looking as that is what the audiences want today. Particularly in north India, a good-looking person is a fair skinned person. When people see such a person, he / she is asked to become a hero/ heroine. Of course, I didn't let such talk affect my decision-making,"
Nandita Das
It's impossible to not like the brilliant actor Nandita Das' work. However, she too was a victim of brutal racism in the film industry. She was recently seen supporting the Dark is Beautiful' campaign to eradicate this skin colour bias.
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