Vaani Kapoor Breaks Silence on Colourism & Body-Shaming in Bollywood

       Vaani Kapoor breaks silence on colourism and being body-shamed for being too skinny

Vaani Kapoor Breaks Silence on Colourism & Body-Shaming in Bollywood

By M Muzamil Shami - July 22, 2025

Key Points

1. Vaani Kapoor reveals she was dropped from a film for not being “milky white”

2. Faced industry-wide body-shaming for being “too skinny”

3. Opens up about toxic beauty standards in Bollywood

4. Sparks conversation around colourism, inclusivity, and body image

5. Fans and fellow actors rally around her bold confession

Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor has opened up about one of the film industry’s ugliest truths—its long-standing obsession with fair skin and unrealistic body standards. In a powerful and deeply personal revelation, Vaani shared that she was once rejected for a role because she wasn’t “milky white,” a term still disturbingly common in casting rooms across the industry.

Her confession shines a spotlight on the pervasive colourism that continues to thrive behind the glamour of India’s entertainment scene. Despite her success and talent, Vaani’s experience reveals just how deeply entrenched biases around skin tone and body image still are.

“I was told I wasn’t fair enough for a role. And that I was too skinny—it was said like a flaw,” Vaani admitted.

A Star Treated as "Too Skinny"

Vaani, best known for her performances in films like Shuddh Desi Romance and Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, also shared that she had to constantly deal with being body-shamed for her slim frame. What should have been a professional asset—her discipline and fitness—was turned into a weapon of criticism.

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Beauty Standards Still a Battleground

This honest disclosure underscores how beauty ideals in Bollywood are still driven by outdated norms—fair skin, curvaceous bodies, and Eurocentric features are often upheld as the golden standard. Vaani’s story is a wake-up call for an industry that prides itself on modern storytelling but still clings to regressive visuals.

Her words echoed the experiences of countless actors, especially women, who are told to alter their appearances to meet a standard that doesn't represent India’s diversity.

FAQs

Q1: What did Vaani Kapoor say about being dropped from a film?
A: She revealed she was removed from a film for not having a “milky white” complexion—highlighting Bollywood’s colourism problem.

Q2: Has Vaani Kapoor faced body-shaming?
A: Yes. She shared that she has been consistently criticized for being “too skinny,” despite maintaining her fitness professionally.

Q3: Why is her statement important?
A: It draws attention to Bollywood’s ongoing issues with beauty biases, sparking much-needed conversations on diversity and inclusion.

Q4: What has been the public reaction?
A: Many fans and fellow actors have supported Vaani, praising her bravery in speaking out against toxic industry standards.

What are your thoughts on Bollywood’s beauty standards? Have things changed—or is it still stuck in the past?

Join the conversation below and share your experience or opinion.