Sameera Reddy recalls colour bias in debut film opposite Sohail Khan: ‘I was made two to three shades lighter’

Actor Sameera Reddy has spoken candidly about the colour bias she faced early in her Bollywood career, revealing that she was made to appear "two to three shades lighter" during her debut film opposite Sohail Khan.

Reflecting on her experience in a recent interview, Reddy said the industry's beauty standards at the time heavily favoured fair skin, and filmmakers often altered actors' appearances through makeup and lighting to fit those expectations.

"I was made two to three shades lighter," she recalled, describing the pressure she faced as a newcomer in the film industry.

Opening up about beauty standards

Reddy said that changing an actor's natural complexion was considered a common practice during that period, with many performers expected to conform to a particular on-screen image.

Looking back, she admitted that the experience affected her confidence and highlighted the unrealistic beauty ideals that many actresses were expected to meet.

The actor noted that conversations around skin tone and representation have evolved significantly in recent years, encouraging greater acceptance of natural beauty.

Industry has changed, says actor

According to Reddy, Bollywood has become more inclusive than it was when she entered the industry, with audiences and filmmakers increasingly embracing authenticity and diversity.

She praised the shift away from rigid beauty norms and said today's actors are more comfortable appearing on screen without excessive cosmetic alterations.

The actor has frequently spoken about body positivity, self-acceptance and mental well-being since stepping away from mainstream cinema.

Advocate for self-acceptance

In recent years, Sameera Reddy has earned appreciation for sharing unfiltered images and candid reflections on motherhood, ageing and body image through social media.

She has consistently encouraged people to embrace their natural appearance, often challenging unrealistic beauty standards that have long shaped the entertainment industry.

Her latest remarks have reignited discussions about colourism in Indian cinema and the gradual changes taking place within the industry.

A broader conversation

Reddy's comments add to a growing number of voices from Bollywood reflecting on the pressures actors once faced regarding complexion and appearance.

As conversations around inclusivity continue, her experience serves as a reminder of how industry standards have evolved—and why debates around representation and self-acceptance remain relevant today.