Kangana Ranaut to Ranbir Kapoor: Celebrities Who Refused to endorse fairness creams

In recent times, many celebrities have taken a stand against endorsing fairness creams, challenging the notion that lighter skin is more attractive. Stars like Kangana Ranaut, Ranbir Kapoor, the late Sushant Singh Rajput, and Swara Bhaskar promote self-acceptance and inclusivity, encouraging people to embrace their natural skin tones and helping to reshape society's beauty standards.

Kangana Ranaut declined an offer of Rs 2 crore to endorse a fairness cream. Addressing the rumors, as reported in Hindustan Times, she said, “Ever since I was a kid, I have never understood the concept of fairness. As a celebrity, what kind of example would I be setting for younger people? I have no regrets about turning this offer down. As a public figure, I have responsibilities.”

Randeep Hooda is another celebrity who refused to endorse a fairness product for men. As reported in Hindustan Times, he voiced his belief that focusing on fairness is misguided, stressing that men can be "tall, dark, and handsome." Hooda emphasized that defining beauty by skin color is discriminatory, and despite a tempting offer, he chose not to sign the deal.

Kalki Koechlin has openly criticized the Indian beauty market's obsession with fairness. She advocated for the acceptance of all skin tones, stating, “There is nothing wrong with being fair, but it has become such an obsession in our country that it dominates our perception of beauty. Many dark-skinned people are stunning, and that should be celebrated. I’d love to endorse a product that makes me darker.” She further explained that while she endorses an anti-ageing cream, she refuses to promote fairness products, expressing her preference for getting a natural tan instead.

In 2015, Swara Bhaskar was approached by a skincare brand to promote a skin-lightening product, but she declined. She said, “This obsession with fair skin needs to be discouraged. It’s regressive and problematic to attach value, positive or negative, to skin color. It’s rooted in racism and promotes low self-esteem. I believe in loving yourself as you are. Dusky, dark, or wheatish, you are perfect just the way you are.”

Ranbir Kapoor refused an offer to endorse a fairness cream in 2011, stating that such products reinforce racist stereotypes. Reported in Mumbai Mirror, he expressed concern that these products contribute to negative perceptions about skin color in Indian society, and chose not to associate with them.

According to reports, Sushant Singh Rajput turned down an offer for a fairness cream endorsement deal worth Rs 15 crore. He believed that actors have a responsibility to avoid sending out incorrect messages and stated his opposition to the ideology of favoring one skin tone over another.