"I did lose out on modelling assignments."
Bollywood actress and model Chitrangda Singh has opened up about losing work over her “dusky complexion” as well as her struggle with body image.
The actress made her Bollywood debut in 2005 with the film, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi.
As well as her roles in films, Chitrangda Singh is known for her toned physique and fitness.
Speaking to Bombay Times about her struggle with her complexion while growing up, Chitrangda Singh said:
“I know the feeling of living life as a girl with dusky complexion. This is not something that people will say directly to your face.
“You can only sense it. I have been through the biases, especially while growing up in the north. So, with my post, I just wanted to say that one needs to feel beautiful in their own skin.”
In fact, Chitrangda Singh revealed that she lost job offers because of her skin colour. She explained:
“I did lose out on modelling assignments. In fact, when I lost out on one ad in the initial days of my career, I was specifically told the reason as it had come down to selecting between two people for the part.
“Luckily, the audition that I did for a product was seen by Gulzar saab, who got me on board for his music video. I realised that not everybody goes out looking for white-skinned people here.”
Previously, the actress raised her voice against shaming those who have darker skin.
“Taking to Instagram she shared a collage of herself as part of supporting a campaign against colourism. She captioned it:
“I am brown and happy.”
Chitrangda urged people to stop discrimination based on an individual’s complexion.
Recently, in another interview, the actress spoke about casting couch. She explained that people ask for sexual favours in return for work. She said:
“There are people like this everywhere. Right from my modelling days to Bollywood – I have seen them at all times.”
Chitrangda added that the corporate industry also faces the same problem. She said:
“Corporate industry is just as bad. Yes, it has happened to me but, I would like to say that the Bollywood industry is not the place where anybody forces you.
“There is enough space and respect for everyone and their choices.”
On the work front, Chitrangda Singh will be seen in Bob Biswas alongside Abhishek Bachchan.
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