Priyanka Chopra among Bollywood actors slammed for protesting racism while endorsing skin-whitening creams
While the US is tackling the issue of racism and racial injustice head-on, in the other end of the world, India, too is fighting its own battle against racism. The Indian sub-continent is notorious for its obsession with light skin. Numerous face creams and lotions are sold in these markets with claims of making skin 'fairer' or 'lighter'. What's worse is that the biggest names in Bollywood are the ambassadors and spokespersons for these 'fairness creams'.
Actors, including Priyanka Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Disha Patani and Tamannah Bhatia have endorsed and promoted these fairness creams at some point in their career. While the world is extending its support to the Black Lives Matter movement, these stars too have taken to their social media to express their views on racism and offer their support to the ongoing protests against racism.
However, social media users have called out the hypocrisy of these Indian actors for speaking up against racism while promoting fairness creams. When Disha Patani posted a picture, saying 'All Colors are Beautiful', many users reminded her that she's one of the celebrities who harps about fairness creams. A fan commented to Patani's post, "Hypocrisy at its best. First, I will endorse face whitening product and then I will post against racism ." Another fan shared, "Look at this who is saying, the hypocrite who is endorsing fairness cream for money now giving lectures all colours are same."
Priyanka's husband and singer Nick Jonas had tweeted on June 4, saying, "Pri & I have heavy hearts ... The reality of the inequalities in this country, and around the world, are glaring. Systemic racism, bigotry and exclusion has gone on for far too long, and remaining silent not only reinforces it, but it allows it to continue." However, a user replied, saying, "Pri was the face of skin lightening creams in india. Pri is part of the problem." Another user said, "Priyanka chopra confirmed racist."
"Hilarious to watch Bollywood celebs speaking against racism on the news while endorsing skin 'whitening' creams in the ad break," wrote another fan. "South Asians need to look within to acknowledge their hidden biases and racism. Good to see the hypocrisy of Bollywood celebs like @priyankachopra @sonamakapoor exposed. They trend #BlackLivesMatter but endorse whitening creams for hefty endorsement fees," pointed out a fan. Aside from fans, Bollywood celebrity Abhay Deol too has been very vocal about the hypocrisy amongst Bollywood stars. Back in 2017, Deol posted a series of photos calling out his peers for promoting fairness creams.