Esha Gupta: I’ve seen a number of actresses who have had their skin lightened, but I’ve never understood why

Esha Gupta was nicknamed “Kali maa” as a youngster, not because she was powerful like the Goddess, but because she had a dark complexion.

Esha Gupta was nicknamed “Kali maa” as a youngster, not because she was powerful like the Goddess, but because she had a dark complexion. She didn’t understand the name-calling at the time and paid no attention to it. When she entered Bollywood, though, the star was surprised to be confronted with it again, with people recommending she undergo skin lightening treatments.

“When I initially started acting and got my first picture, people used to tell me, ‘Oh, you should do your colour light or do those expensive injections,’” Gupta recalls, adding, “But I never understood that concept.”

She believes that changing one’s personality or body should come from inside, rather than from outside pressure.

“I don’t mind if someone changes their nose. I don’t mind if they modify it because they don’t like it. However, I am content with my physical appearance. There were other times when someone warned me, “You’ll never get that cute part or the girl next door.” It doesn’t bother me. I don’t want it, but don’t blame it on my skin colour,” adds Gupta, who made her Bollywood debut in 2012 with Jannat 2.

She was told at one time that she needed to have her nose altered. “Someone even suggested that I alter my nose since it isn’t as sharp as other actresses’. My nose is round and tiny. It had a mental impact on me at first.”

It was difficult for the Rustom (2016) and Nakaab actor to avoid such criticism, and she is pleased she did not let her self-assurance slip. “I needed surgery because I have a deviated septum and have breathing problems, but I never got it because I was afraid my nose would change shape,” she says.