Bias towards fair skin is undeniably there: Anjali

Recently, Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s comment on racism in Bollywood triggered a debate of sorts. The actor had reacted to Babumoshai Bandookbaaz casting director Sanjay Chouhan’s comment that it would’ve looked “weird” had they cast anyone “fair and handsome” opposite Nawaz. Now, actor Anjali Patil, of Finding Fanny (2014) fame, says that bias towards fair skin is “undeniably” there.

“Though the Indian skin colour is considered exotic outside the country, within India, I guess, it’s not that much in demand,” says Anjali, who will next be seen in the Rajkummar Raostarrer, Newton.

The actor feels that these problems don’t just pertain to the film industry, there are issues with society as a whole. “Though we claim to be a civilised society, such things are still there. Physical appearance and skin colour are given importance. Even the market is infested with products that help one in getting lighter skin tones. Everything together, it makes me sad,” says Anjali.

However, when asked if she herself has faced bias while working in both Bollywood and south Indian film industry, Anjali dodged the question, saying, “Talent and hard work have no alternative. I let my work do the talking.”

Though the Indian skin colour is considered exotic outside the country, within India, I guess, it’s not that much in demand ANJALI PATIL, ACTOR