Dark truth

Jasmine Singh

Kul Sidhu, a Punjabi actress known for her roles in films like Qissa Panjab and award-winning film Nooran has never been part of commercial Punjabi films. Reason? Her dark skin tone!

Bollywood and Tollywood has an unsaid criterion for actresses – fair skin - and Kul does not fit the bill! 

Reality bite(s)

Despite being one of the most talented actresses in the industry, she has faced disparity. “I can’t even tell you how many times the industry has made me realise that I am a dark-skinned girl. In fact, I have given up hope of doing all kinds of roles in Punjabi cinema because they do not see me as someone who fits the criteria for being the lead actress,” shares Kul, who has been offered roles of a kaamwali in Punjabi movies!

“I am an actress; I do not mind the role, because I will anyway justify it with my acting. But we also know how much a kamwaali’s character is worth in Punjabi cinema.”

Punjabis and their fixation for fair-skinned girls is not new...how many dark-skinned actresses do you find here? “I am sure if there are any talented girls with dark skin tone, they wouldn’t even think of acting in Punjabi films because they know that no one will cast them in a main role.”

Talent matters

Popular director Amit Prasher begs to differ. “I think directors always cast an actor or an actress depending on the role and not skin colour. At least I wouldn’t do so.” In the same breath, Amit doesn’t deny the fact that there are not many dark-skinned actresses in the Punjabi industry, “You could be right...because of this perception, fair-skinned girls can make it to the screen easily.” 

Wrong note

Even some Punjabi songs are dedicated to the gora rang; a song by Arsh Benipal...Gore rang vaali yaar thoda chadd gayi/Assi shad ditta nasha gore rang da/Khudi labhni a sanwle je rang di/Labhni e saawle je rang di/ Khyal rakhu thode yaar jo malang da...the song clearly leaves the dark-skinned girl as the second option. 

However, for Punjabi film actress Diljott there is no bias or stereotype in the industry. “It depends on character, rather than looks. At the same time, I also feel that since it is commercial cinema, and it is the face value that sells, the actresses are expected to be beautiful and men are required to be handsome. But for sure there is no disparity in terms of skin colour in the industry.” 

Adds director Sameer Sandhu, “It is not about the colour; it is about the role. Maybe not many roles are written where a dark-skinned girl gets to play the protagonist.” 

jasmine@tribunemail.com