Speculation about Bollywood actors lightening their skin has been rife for years. But the question isn’t about who may have altered their appearance, it’s about why such pressure exists in the first place. Colourism, a bias that favours fair skin, continues to influence casting, roles, and the kinds of opportunities actresses receive. Before pointing fingers at individual stars, we must examine the system that shapes these choices.
Focusing on whether an actor has lightened their skin ignores the bigger picture. The real issue is why Bollywood actresses feel the need to do it at all. Societal and industry pressures push performers to conform to eurocentric beauty ideals, reinforcing a narrow definition of desirability.
So, the question is why celebrities are made to feel like they need to lighten their skin at all.
Colourism in Bollywood isn’t just aesthetic, it dictates opportunities.
Nandita Das spoke about her experience in this regard while promoting the “India’s Got Colour” campaign: “When there is a role of a rural woman, or a Dalit woman, or a role of a slum-dweller, then my skin colour is fine. But the minute I have to play an educated, upper-middle-class character, invariably someone comes up to me and says ‘I know you don’t like to lighten your skin, but you know this role is of an upper-middle-class educated person.’”
Radhika Apte explained it in an interview with iDiva: “We do have dusky actresses in the mainstream. But we still don’t have a really dark-skinned actress, do we? If she is cast, it will be a special film, a one-off. Out of all the new faces launched, do you see a dark girl? There is still a bias. If you are dusky, you will be cast as a village girl. I faced this a lot myself. The fair actresses are cast as urban girls, why can’t I play an urban girl?”
Credit: AFP
Dusky-skinned actors may get fewer lead roles, endorsements, or glamorous parts, but stars like Priyanka Chopra Jonas have broken barriers and achieved global recognition despite industry colourism. The pressure to conform still exists, affecting self-esteem and reinforcing the idea that certain looks are more “desirable” in cinema.
Instead of speculating on cosmetic changes, it’s time to ask the hard questions: Are audiences ready to embrace actors representing the full spectrum of Indian skin tones? Will Bollywood provide equal opportunities without typecasting or shaming?
Breaking the cycle of colourism requires challenging entrenched eurocentric beauty ideals. By celebrating a diverse range of skin tones, the industry can allow actors to exist authentically in their craft,without fear, bias, or the need to conform.
For Bollywood to evolve, it must value talent and individuality over shade. Recognising the full spectrum of Indian skin tones won’t just make stories richer,it will allow every actor the space to shine, free from outdated hierarchies and narrow ideals of beauty.
