Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has spoken out against what he describes as racism and bias in Bollywood. He criticised the industry’s preference for fair skin and rigid beauty standards, saying such perceptions often influence casting decisions more than acting talent.
In a recent interview, the actor said Bollywood continues to promote outdated ideas of beauty. He argued that fair-skinned characters are still prioritised in films, limiting opportunities for many performers. According to him, appearance often overshadows artistic ability in the industry.
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Nawazuddin said beauty is often “imposed” rather than naturally defined. He emphasised that individuals should have the freedom to define beauty on their own terms. He added that societal and industry expectations shape how actors are perceived on screen.
The actor also highlighted how darker-skinned performers are frequently typecast in Indian cinema. He noted that similar features are viewed differently in other countries, pointing to cultural bias in filmmaking. He said such patterns are deeply embedded in storytelling and casting practices.
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Praising late actress Smita Patil, Nawazuddin described her as the embodiment of authentic beauty. He said the camera captures true presence beyond superficial judgment. He added that cinema should focus more on talent and expression rather than appearance.