---Advertisement---

Vaani Kapoor: I lost film for not being ‘milky white’

Published On: July 22, 2025
Follow Us
---Advertisement---

Vaani Kapoor recently opened up about facing colorism and body shaming in the film industry, revealing she lost a role for not being ‘milky white’ and was criticized for being ‘too skinny’.

A Shocking Revelation

Actress Vaani Kapoor shared a stark experience from early in her career, where a filmmaker rejected her for a role because she wasn’t “milky white” enough. This blatant display of colorism in the entertainment industry was a shocking wake-up call.

Speaking to News18, Kapoor recalled the incident, stating that information reached her indirectly. She firmly stood her ground, deciding that if such a specific skin tone was a requirement, she wouldn’t want to work with that filmmaker anyway.

She expressed confidence in finding better opportunities and filmmakers who value talent over skin color. This incident, she noted, happened years ago with a director not based in Mumbai.

Battling Body Shaming

Beyond colorism, Vaani Kapoor has also frequently dealt with body shaming. She revealed comments about being “too skinny” and the constant suggestion to gain weight, as many people prefer women with “fuller bodies.”

Despite these external pressures, Kapoor maintains a strong sense of self-acceptance. She stated, “But I like me! I don’t want to change anything about myself. I’m fit and healthy.”

She typically doesn’t let these remarks bother her, often wondering if they come from genuine concern or misguided advice. Ultimately, she is content and confident in her own body.

An Outsider’s Journey

As an outsider with no prior connections, Vaani Kapoor entered the Bollywood scene with her debut in 2013’s ‘Shuddh Desi Romance’, starring alongside Sushant Singh Rajput and Parineeti Chopra.

Her performance left a strong impression, but her journey has clearly involved navigating the industry’s often superficial demands beyond acting talent.

Looking Ahead

Vaani Kapoor’s filmography includes notable movies like ‘Befikre’, ‘War’, and ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’.

She is now venturing into the streaming space with her debut web series, ‘Mandala Murders’, a Netflix thriller set to release on July 25.

  • Vaani Kapoor faced rejection for a role due to not being considered ‘milky white’, highlighting prevalent colorism in Bollywood.
  • She also experienced body shaming for being ‘skinny’, with comments urging her to gain weight.
  • Despite industry pressures, Kapoor maintains a strong sense of self-acceptance and confidence in her body.
  • Her experience sheds light on the challenges faced by actors, especially women, regarding appearance standards.

Her candid revelations bring an important spotlight to the appearance-focused pressures within the entertainment industry, encouraging a broader conversation about self-acceptance and celebrating diverse body types.

Heena Naaz

Heena Naaz is a culture and lifestyle writer who covers entertainment with an eye for narrative and impact. With over 6 years in media, including film analysis and travel journalism, she curates stories that resonate emotionally and culturally. Heena’s features have appeared in digital magazines and campaign content for creative brands. Whether it’s reviewing new cinema or uncovering underrated travel escapes, she guides readers with warmth, taste, and perspective. Find her on LinkedIn.

Join WhatsApp

Join Now

Join Telegram

Join Now

Leave a Comment