Vaani Kapoor has never been one to mince words—and her latest revelation is another reminder of just how brutally honest the film industry can be.
In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, the Shuddh Desi Romance actor got candid about one moment early in her career that stung deeply—she was dropped from a film, not because of her talent, but because her skin wasn’t “fair enough.”
“I wasn’t told directly, but word got to me. The director said I wasn’t ‘milky white.’ Can you believe that?”
Yep, it’s 2025, and we’re still talking about skin tone being a “casting criterion.” But instead of letting it crush her spirit, Vaani handled it like a boss.
The Harsh Reality of Being an Outsider
Let’s be real—it’s already hard for outsiders to break into Bollywood. No filmy background, no godfather, and add to that an outdated obsession with Eurocentric beauty standards? That’s a lot to deal with.
When Vaani moved to Mumbai from New Delhi, she knew she had a mountain to climb. But she didn’t expect her skin tone would be one of the things standing in her way.
“I mean, really? You’re going to cast someone based on whether they look like a bottle of ‘fair and lovely’? That’s wild,” she said with a laugh, masking the underlying hurt.
“I’m Happy With the Way I Look”
Despite all the noise, Vaani’s confidence in her appearance has never wavered. She’s heard it all—from not being fair enough to not having the “ideal” body type. But she’s made peace with who she is.
“I like the way I look. I don’t want to change that. Sure, people say things like ‘women look better with fuller bodies,’ or whatever. But honestly, I’m not here to fit into anyone’s mold.”
And that’s the energy we love to see.
The Director Who Said No? Not From Mumbai
When asked about the director who rejected her, Vaani kept it classy but made a pointed observation.
“This happened ages ago. And the director wasn’t from Mumbai. Let’s just say he had his own vision—and I clearly wasn’t part of it. But that’s okay. I didn’t want to be part of his world either.”
She adds, “If fairness is a requirement for a role, then it’s not a project I want to be in. He can go find his ‘milky white’ heroine. I’ll find a filmmaker who values talent more than tone.”
From Rejection to Netflix Release
Fast forward to now, Vaani Kapoor is set to star in the upcoming Netflix thriller Mandala Murders, premiering July 25. The promos are already catching fire online, and her look in the silver ensemble has fans hyped.
She’s come a long way from being judged for the shade of her skin—and she knows it.
“I’ve worked with amazing directors, done films that I’m proud of, and grown as an actor and as a person. That’s what matters.”
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about Vaani—it’s about a bigger problem in the industry. For years, Bollywood has glorified light skin while ignoring the talent and individuality of countless artists. It’s 2025. It’s high time we evolve past that.
By speaking up, Vaani is doing what a lot of people in the industry are still scared to do—call out the problem. Loudly. Publicly. Honestly.
Jay-Ho! Star Sense
At the end of the day, Vaani Kapoor isn’t just another actor with a pretty face. She’s someone who’s fought hard for her space, learned to shrug off outdated standards, and made it through with her dignity—and wit—intact.
So the next time someone tries to judge a performer based on their complexion instead of their capability, maybe we should all take a page out of Vaani’s book:
“It is what it is. But I’m not changing for anyone.”
