Just Get Dark Skinned Actors': Ayushmann Khurrana-Bhumi Pednekar's 'Bala' Draws Criticism for Brownface
The trailer for Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar's 'Bala' released recently, and has been wrapped in controversies ever since. From the trailer, it is quite evident that the film revolves around balding and how the leading character, played by Ayushmann, deals with a receding hairline and the stigma surrounding it.
However, a photo shared on Twitter by actress Bhumi Pednekar has gone viral for the wrong reasons. The photo which features Pednekar offers an insight into her role in the film; yet, desi Twitterati have pointed out that the actor's skin tone looks visibly darker than usual.
What's ironic is that the film also focuses on India's obsession with fair skin and how those with darker skin tones are often discriminated against. In one of the scenes from the trailer, Pednekar can be seen arguing with Ayushmann who emphasises the need for fair skin.
The point is, if the film makers really wanted to shed light on the stereotypes and taboo associated with dark skin in our country, they could have simply cast an actor with a dusky complexion! Instead, they chose to cast Bhumi, who can easily be classified as fair skinned, and made her at least two to three shades darker through make up.
This sparked a debate online with several people calling the film out for endorsing "brownface". Brownface is likely a term derived from "blackface" which was a theatrical practice back in the 19th and 20 centuries when fair skinned performers were given a "blackish" make up in order to portray African American characters. It was eventually deemed extremely offensive and eliminated.
Bhumi Pednekar's tweet was bombarded with comments and messages which condemned the film's use of brownface especially in times when actors and activists are trying desperately to challenge India's inclination towards fairer skin.
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