In an industry that thrives on glamour and often sidelines real talent, actress Manjiri Pupala has set the record straight. Known for her impactful performances in Dhadak 2, Superboys of Malegaon, Dahaad and her solo act Manjiri Matching Center, the rising star is finally breaking the silence on the harsh reality of colourism in the entertainment world.
Through her performance Manjiri Matching Center, she unpacks intimate stories of family, childhood, and relationships, urging audiences to look at their parents through a “human lens,” embracing both flaws and strengths. But off stage, Manjiri’s voice grows louder against the prejudices she continues to face simply because of her skin tone.
Talking about the overwhelming response to Dhadak 2, she shared, “In India feeling discriminated is one human experience you can’t avoid.”
But the discrimination cuts deeper when it comes to opportunities. Manjiri didn’t hold back: “Just because my skin tone is dusky I’m not getting an opportunity to atleast audition for the main role and it has been happening for over years with me.”
She explained how casting stereotypes work in the industry, “There are fixed categories that are given to fair skin tone and dusky skin tone. I am trying to break that narrative and not picking up projects a lot of time.”
The actress also expressed her love for challenging roles: “I love playing rural characters because that is a different reality for me, and a whole new challenge as a character.”
Recalling a painful memory, Manjiri said, “A producer liked my work and called me for audition of a main character for a TV serial. When I went there, an assistant director handed me another script that was of a house help which had three lines. I was very naive at that time and I did not know what really is happening and that was the first time I ever felt discriminated for my skin.”
Her voice cracked when she added, “Mai aise bohot Marathi actresses ko dekhti hu jinko sirf househelp ka role diya jaata hai which I feel is very wrong. Earlier it was a given that ‘upmarket actors’ will be fair.”
But unlike many, Manjiri refuses to bend to unfair standards. “Mujhe gora nahi dikhna hai mera make up aisa karo ki mera skin tone rahe, I am proud of my skin.” Citing examples of actresses who redefined beauty, Suchitra, Chitrangada Singh and Kajol, Manjiri reminded everyone that “beauty is very subjective and as artists we should break the stereotype with every little way we can.”
The actress also admitted that colourism once held her back: “One of the reasons why I never wanted to be in front of the camera was because I thought I don’t have the looks for it.”
But thanks to the rise of OTT platforms, doors are finally opening. “OTT has given a huge opportunity to all kinds of actors.” In a world obsessed with fairness creams and airbrushed beauty, Manjiri Pupala is not just raising her voice, she is raising a revolution. And if Bollywood doesn’t change its lens soon, it risks being remembered not for its dreams, but for its discrimination.
