Bollywood celebs who faced racism

Sonam Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor is not just the queen of fashion in Bollywood but is equally fierce and fearless when it comes to voicing her opinion. According to a PTI report, while speaking at an event, Sonam revealed that she herself has faced racism in many countries. She said, “They see brown skin and they judge you already. When I go abroad people already have their perception, like we are always in parda or our parents are very conservative.”

Priyanka Chopra

Who could have imagined that even former Miss World and top Bollywood actress, Priyanka Chopra, was once a victim of racism in US. In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Priyanka revealed that she had faced racism during her school days in America that had made her come back to India. She was called 'Brownie' which also became a reason for her to quit school. Not only this, the Desi girl was also called 'Kali' by her own relatives though that was just a joke. These things deeply affected PC but she didn't give up and went on to become the lead in American TV show, Quantico.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

The talented and versatile actor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, also faced racism during the early days of his Bollywood career. Because of his dark complexion, he always got short and small roles in films like Sarfarosh, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. and New York. In an interview with Bloomberg TV India show, The Date, Nawaz revealed that he was rejected by the producers and directors for many TV shows because they were glossy and Nawazuddin did not fit in those kind of roles due to his dark complexion. The talented actor has now made his own place in Bollywood with a National Award in his kitty.

Shilpa Shetty

Bollywood diva, Shilpa Shetty, also had to face racism while being on reality TV show, Celebrity Big Brother in 2007. The Dhdakan actress was mocked for her Indian accent and was branded 'The Indian' and a 'dog' during her stay in the Big Brother house. It evolved into a huge racism controversy involving late fellow contestant, Jade Goody. The show received a backlash due to the distasteful statements made by the contestants against Shilpa. But she overcame all this and went onto became the winner of the season.

Bipasha Basu

Super sexy Jism girl, Bipasha Basu, is among the hottest Bollywood babes but allegedly was once called 'Kali Billi' by Kareena Kapoor due to her dusky complexion. The comment raked up a huge controversy with Bipasha refusing to make any comments on the same. When Bipasha was a kid, she was allegedly known as the Lady Goonda in her school because of her dusky colur and short height, as confessed by her in an interview to Business of Cinema. Bipasha now has a very successful career in the film industry with a Filmfare Award in her kitty.

Freida Pinto

Hollywood actress, Freida Pinto, was once a rejected actress in Bollywood. She was at the receiving end of racial remarks during her modelling days. The Slumdog Millionaire star revealed that she was a rejected actress in Bollywood, because she wasn't fair and didn't look Indian enough. But she got a compliment in Los Angeles that she has the most beautiful caramel-chocolate skin. The actress has often accused Bollywood of being fascinated with white-skinned actors and has openly expressed her disgust about the auditioning process for films in India, as reported by The Independent.