26th September 2023,Mumbai: In a nation like India, where diverse skin tones beautifully coexist, it’s disheartening to realize that biases related to complexion still prevail. Sadly, this prejudice isn’t confined to everyday life but has also infiltrated the entertainment industry. In this article, we shed light on the experiences of talented TV actresses who were rejected and criticized solely because of their dusky skin tone.
Sumbul Touqeer Khan: Battling the Mental Toll of Criticism
Sumbul Touqeer Khan, a rising star in the television industry, faced the harsh reality of discrimination based on her skin tone. In a candid interview, she admitted to enduring criticism that took a toll on her mental health. She recounted instances where her dark complexion led to outright rejection during initial auditions, highlighting the depth of bias in the industry.
Hina Khan: Losing Valuable Opportunities
Hina Khan, celebrated for her role in “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai,” revealed that she, too, had been a victim of skin tone bias. She disclosed missing out on significant projects solely due to her complexion. Her experience underscores the unfortunate fact that even accomplished actresses are not immune to such discrimination.
Nia Sharma: Defying Stereotypes with Confidence
Known for setting screens on fire with her sizzling looks, Nia Sharma faced not only online trolling but also professional rejections because of her dark skin tone. Reports suggest that casting directors hesitated to cast her due to her complexion. However, Nia’s unwavering confidence and talent allowed her to break through these barriers, refusing to conform to industry standards.
Parul Chauhan: Challenging the Beauty Norms
Parul Chauhan, a prominent figure from the show “Sapna Babul Ka…Bidaai,” faced rejection and criticism over her skin complexion. The actress, who played a lead role in the series, had to confront the industry’s unforgiving standards of beauty, showcasing the extent of bias within the entertainment world.
Kratika Sengar: The Struggle of Dark-Skinned Actresses
Kratika Sengar, renowned for her roles in hit shows like “Punar Vivah” and “Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki,” endured backlash for her dark skin tone, especially in comparison to her fair-skinned counterparts. This highlights the disparities and prejudices that continue to plague the industry.
Barkha Bisht: Battling Multiple Rejections
Popular telly actress Barkha Bisht, known for her role in “Pyaar Ke Do Naam: Ek Radha Ek Shyaam,” faced numerous rejections in her career due to her skin tone. She candidly shared her experiences, revealing the hardships she encountered during her struggle in the industry.
Ulka Gupta: Talent Overshadowed by Bias
Ulka Gupta, known for her role in “Banni Chow Home Delivery,” received unwarranted trolling and faced multiple rejections in her career because of her dusky complexion. Despite her undeniable talent, she had to grapple with industry prejudices that overshadowed her abilities.
Kashmera Shah: The Ongoing Battle with Self-Image
Kashmera Shah, wife of ace comedian Krushna Abhishek, openly discussed the challenges she faced due to her dark skin tone. She revealed her childhood struggles with self-image, expressing a desire to be fair like her mother. Kashmera also shed light on how makeup artists often used excessive products to make her look fair on screen.
A Need for Change
The stories of these remarkable TV actresses serve as a stark reminder of the biases and discrimination that persist within the entertainment industry. It’s high time we collectively acknowledge and address this issue. Talent should always triumph over complexion, and the industry should strive to become a more inclusive space where artists of all skin tones are celebrated for their skills and contributions, rather than being judged for something as arbitrary as their skin color. Only then can we truly appreciate the rich tapestry of talent that our diverse nation has to offer.
-by Kashvi Gala