From Hina Khan to Nia Sharma: TV actresses who faced rejection due to their skin tone

For years, Indian society has shown a strong preference for fair skin, often linking it unfairly with beauty and success. This bias has not only shaped social attitudes but has also influenced the entertainment industry. Many talented actors have faced discrimination and lost opportunities simply because their skin tone did not match the so-called beauty standards. Despite their talent and hard work, they were made to feel less deserving. From Hina Khan to Kashmera Shah, several actresses have opened about facing rejection in showbiz due to their skin tone. (Photo: Instagram)

Hina Khan began her television career with Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, where her portrayal of Akshara made her a household name. Over the years, she has achieved great success, but her journey wasn’t without struggles. Hina once revealed that she was rejected for a project because of her dusky complexion, despite being perfect for the role. She said, “I can’t talk about the project, but I remember I could not crack a project because I didn’t look Kashmiri enough... I didn’t get cast because my complexion is dusky and I am not extremely fair.” (Photo: Instagram)

Nia Sharma, known for her bold personality and glamorous style, made her mark with Ek Hazaron Mein Meri Behna Hai. Over the years, she has faced rejection because of her wheatish complexion, yet she never let it affect her confidence. Nia has always stood by her individuality and refused to change herself for anyone. In an interview she once said, “I never went to my doctor and said that I want to be fair. I have accepted it.” Today, she is one of television’s most admired fashion icons, inspiring many to embrace their natural beauty. (Photo: Instagram)

Kashmera Shah successfully transitioned from television to films and is admired for her bold and outspoken personality. Yet, she too faced constant criticism for her dark skin tone. Speaking about her early insecurities, she said, “I would put powder on my face and wanted to be fair and white like my mother... Earlier, the makeup men I worked with in films, they wanted to make me look fair on-screen by applying makeup.” (Photo: Instagram)

Barkha Bisht gained recognition for her lead role in Pyaar Ke Do Naam: Ek Radha Ek Shyaam and has continued to win hearts with her striking looks and confidence. However, her journey wasn’t always easy, as she faced multiple rejections because of her dusky complexion. Despite the challenges, Barkha stayed strong and embraced her natural beauty with pride. In a chat with Bollywood Bubble, she recalled, “I think one of the first things I faced after I became an actor was my colour, my complexion. Something as basic as this when I’m in front of the camera and DOP would be like makeup bright karo. And then the makeup guy would try to make me 3 shades fairer than I am.” (Photo: Instagram)

Kratika Sengar rose to fame with her powerful performance as Rani Laxmibai in Jhansi Ki Rani. She later became a part of several hit shows like Punar Vivah and Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki. Even after achieving immense success, Kratika faced criticism for her darker complexion compared to the fair-skinned heroines often preferred in the industry. However, she never let that stop her and continued to prove her worth through her acting talent and versatility. (Photo: Instagram)

Parul Chauhan became a household name with her debut in Sapna Babul Ka…Bidaai, where she played a dusky girl as the lead. The audience appreciated her performance, as it was rare to see a dark-skinned actress leading a popular TV show. However, Parul too faced her share of rejection and criticism over her complexion. Despite that, she continued to deliver powerful performances and gained immense love from viewers. Her success broke stereotypes and proved that talent and authenticity always shine brighter than skin tone. (Photo: Instagram)

Sumbul Touqeer, who rose to fame with Imlie and later Bigg Boss 16, has become one of television’s most loved young stars. But before fame, she too faced rejection for her complexion. Reflecting on her early days, she said, “My initial days were very tough. I started as a child actor and whenever I went for auditions, they only wanted fair-skinned actors. The requirement was always for fair child actors.” (Photo: Instagram)

Ulka Gupta won millions of hearts of many with her role in Banni Chow Home Delivery. Despite achieving fame at a young age, she faced rejection because of her dusky complexion. Recalling her early days, Ulka shared, “I would go for auditions and I still remember they would have this board outside their casting agency that only fair and up-market kids needed. I would always ask and wonder just because I am not fair, I can't be an actor?” Her confidence and talent helped her rise above the bias. (Photo: Instagram)