Vaani kapoor’s pain: Why was it said “not as white as milk”?

Vaani Kapoor’s courageous story of battling colour and body shaming, how she rejected the beauty standards of the film world.

“Not fair enough like milk”

Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor recently opened up about the film industry’s rigid beauty parameters.

In a candid chat with News18 Shosha, she revealed being dropped from a role just because of her skin colour.

“I wasn’t told directly, but word gets around,” Vaani revealed. “A filmmaker once said I wasn’t fair enough for a role.

He specifically said my skin wasn’t ‘fair enough like milk’.”

Sticking to yourself

Instead of letting this rejection crush her spirit, Vaani chose to stay true to herself.

“I told myself, this is how it is. If this is what he needs, I don’t want to be a part of his projects.

He can find his ‘milk white beauty’ or ‘fair heroine’.

I knew I could find a better filmmaker,” she revealed, adding that the incident happened early in her career with a non-Mumbai-based director.

Body-shaming never stops

Despite making her mark in the industry, Vaani still faces criticism—now about her physical appearance.

“I often hear that I am too skinny and I should gain some weight because people like women with fuller bodies,” she admitted.

“But I like me! I don’t want to change anything about myself. I am fit and healthy.”

Finding self-acceptance

What is refreshing about Vaani’s approach is her attitude towards these comments.

“Sometimes you can’t tell if the comments come from genuine concern or are just unsolicited advice.

But I think I’m absolutely fine, and I like the way I am.”

Overcoming obstacles

Making your mark in Bollywood is not easy. High beauty standards and constant criticism pose tough challenges, especially for newcomers.

When Vaani moved to Mumbai from New Delhi to pursue her dream, she had to face judgments not just for her talent but also for her looks.

What’s next for Vaani?

On the work front, Vaani was recently seen in Ajay Devgn’s “Raid 2”.

She will next be seen as a police officer in “Mandla Murders“, directed by Gopi Puthran, which will release on Netflix on July 25.

In an industry obsessed with fairness creams and perfect bodies, Vaani’s story reminds us that true success comes from embracing who you are—not changing yourself to fit someone else’s mould.