From facing rejections over her dark skin tone to refusing a fairness cream ad film: When The Kerala Story 2 actress Ulka Gupta spoke about her struggles

Ulka Gupta has worked in television, films, and OTT projects and is known for her talent. However, her journey in the industry has not been easy. From being rejected because of her skin colour to getting affected by negative comments, the actress faced many struggles in her career. During a throwback interview with Times of India TV, the actress revealed how her childhood got impacted because of the rejection she faced for her dark skin tone. Ulka shared that she turned down endorsements from a popular fairness brand twice because they promoted wrong notions. (Photo: Instagram)

I clearly remember seeing boards outside casting agencies that read, ‘Only fair and upmarket kids needed.’ I would often wonder, just because I am not fair, does that mean I cannot become an actor? I am not considered upmarket? At the same time, there were separate requirements asking for dusky, wheatish, or dark-complexioned kids only for rural roles. The way people defined these things really affected me. (Photo: Instagram)

It affected me deeply, and I often spoke about it with my father. But he always told me that these were just notions and that the only thing that truly matters is being a good actor. My father always told me that no matter what society says, I should remember that I am beautiful in my own way and that I would inspire people through my journey. During auditions, he would constantly motivate me by saying that if I was a good actor, people would eventually cast me, and that I should not focus too much on looks. (Photo: Instagram)

I followed his advice and continued working hard. I still remember getting Saat Phere not only because of my acting skills but also because of my skin tone. That moment changed my perspective completely. Earlier, I used to get rejected because of my complexion, and then suddenly I got a show because of it. It became a turning point in my life. I was especially happy because I got to play the child version of a male lead character, and that role gave me a huge confidence boost. (Photo: Instagram)

Since I was dusky, I suited the character perfectly. That role gave me a lot of confidence. It made me realise that we often create limitations in our own minds. I understood that I got the role not just because of my complexion, but also because of my acting skills, and I have always been proud of my skin colour. After that, I bagged Jhansi Ki Rani. I worked very hard on the show, and it gave me recognition and fame. I was associated with it for nearly two years. (Photo: Instagram)

Yes, I faced such situations even after becoming a known name, but I don’t let it affect me anymore. I understand that many people take decisions from a business perspective and may not want to take risks or try something different. Look at Pushpa: The Rise — everything in the film looked natural and rooted. The characters had messy hair, simple clothes, and real skin tones, yet the film became hugely successful. The makers took a chance, but not everyone is willing to do that. At the same time, audiences are also changing and getting tired of seeing overly polished and artificial things on screen. (Photo: Instagram)

I have often been replaced in advertisement films for different reasons. Sometimes I was told my face was too familiar because of television, sometimes that I looked slightly dusky, or that my face was too strong for a particular brand. Most of these things were conveyed to me indirectly, but at times I would directly ask the reason myself. (Photo: Instagram)

The comments I faced about my skin colour during childhood stayed with me for a long time. That is why, if I can bring even a small change or inspire a few people through my journey, I would consider myself successful. I want to motivate those who struggle with the same insecurities that I once faced, especially the insecurities that society placed on me over time, which I never originally had within myself. (Photo: Instagram)

I remember a very popular skincare brand that promotes fairness creams approached me twice for a campaign, but I refused both times. I clearly told them that I would never work with them because they had promoted wrong beauty standards for years, and those ideas had deeply affected me during my childhood. It took me a long time to overcome those insecurities. (Photo: Instagram)

Over the years, the industry, my projects, films, and the love from fans helped me accept myself and feel proud of my skin colour. I want other girls to feel the same confidence. I just want people to understand that beauty standards are often artificial and created by society’s overpowering mindset. (Photo: Instagram)