Neil Nitin Mukesh Exposes Bollywood’s Toxic Culture: ‘Fair Skin Cost Me Roles’

Actor Critiques Industry’s Obsession with Appearance Over Talent, Cites Missed Opportunities Due to Complexion Bias

Veteran actor Neil Nitin Mukesh has candidly discussed the challenges he’s faced in Bollywood, attributing many to biases against his fair complexion. Despite a career spanning over two decades with notable performances in films like Johnny Gaddaar and New York, Mukesh feels sidelined in an industry that often prioritizes appearance over talent.

In a recent interview, Mukesh highlighted the industry’s tendency to celebrate failures rather than successes. He remarked, “You are happier for someone’s failure than for someone’s success,” emphasizing the toxic environment that pervades Bollywood.

Mukesh also addressed the issue of body shaming, revealing that after losing weight for his role in the upcoming OTT dance drama Hai Junoon, people speculated about his health instead of appreciating his dedication to the role. He expressed frustration over being judged for his appearance rather than his acting skills.

Drawing comparisons, Mukesh pointed out that actors like Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan have successfully transformed their appearances for roles, such as in Omkara and Super 30, respectively. He questioned why similar opportunities aren’t extended to him, stating, “Even if the role is of a gangster or someone else, won’t I fit that mould?”

Despite his lineage and contributions to cinema, Mukesh continues to face challenges in securing roles, often having to remind industry professionals of his existence. He hopes for a future where talent is prioritized over appearance, allowing actors like him to showcase their versatility without prejudice.