🎬 Brownfacing in Bollywood: A Deep-Seated Stereotype
In the world of glitz and glamour, where fairness is often equated with beauty, the issue of Brownfacing in Bollywood has resurfaced yet again. The trend, which involves darkening a fair-skinned actor's complexion to portray downtrodden characters, especially those from lower castes or less privileged backgrounds, continues unabated.
⭐ The Long List of Brownfaced Stars
From Hrithik Roshan in Super 30 (2019) to Ranveer Singh in Gully Boy (2019), the list of Bollywood actors who have been a part of this Brownfacing 'pantheon' is long. Siddhant Chaturvedi, the breakout star from Gully Boy, has now joined this list with his darkened skin tone in Dhadak 2.
⚠️ The Dehumanising Effect of Brownfacing
Psychologist Ruchi Ruuh explains that Brownfacing turns marginalised identities into costumes, which can trigger dehumanisation. It also erases the real representation and opportunities for people who likely face these systemic challenges to enter the industry.
🎬 Brownfacing in Hindi Films
In Hindi films, revolving around rags-to-riches stories, a character tends to look fairer when he becomes a fortune's favourite. This practice, which is supposed to challenge the prevalent ill-practices in society, ends up perpetuating a stereotype through cinema.
⭐ Examples of Brownfacing in Bollywood
- ✅ Hrithik Roshan played Anand Kumar, originally from Bihar, in Super 30
- ⚠️ Alia Bhatt played a Bihari migrant worker in Abhishek Chaubey's Udta Punjab (2016)
- ✅ Ranveer Singh played a Dharavi slum dweller who wants to become a rapper in Zoya Akhtar's Gully Boy (2019)
The Controversy Surrounding Brownfacing
Directors and producers have defended their use of Brownfacing, citing it as necessary for the storyline. However, critics argue that this practice further perpetuates stereotypes and dehumanises people from lower castes or less privileged backgrounds.
Breaking the Mold: Panchayat
The Prime Video original series Panchayat offers a refreshing change, where all characters are shown in their true skin tones. From Manju Devi (Neena Gupta) to Vinod (Ashok Pathak), the characters represent the diverse spectrum of Indian society without resorting to Brownfacing.
The Fight Against Colorism
Ruchi Ruuh's words may not reach the targeted directors or producers, but the fight against colorism continues. The industry needs to embrace diversity and represent characters accurately, breaking away from the deep-seated stereotype of Brownfacing.
