Indian fashion designer and actor Masaba Gupta recently spoke out about the challenges she continues to face, from racist and sexist remarks to body-shaming. Despite her success in the fashion industry and her foray into acting, Masaba shared in an interview with Faye D’Souza on YouTube that she regularly deals with hurtful comments, some of which are rooted in deep-seated biases about appearance and skin color.
During the candid conversation, Masaba revealed how people still judge her appearance, often making comparisons that are both inappropriate and hurtful. She recounted an incident where someone compared her looks to the late actor Om Puri, known for his textured skin. “What business does anyone have to talk about anything except Om Puri’s acting talent?” Masaba questioned, highlighting how people’s focus tends to drift towards physical appearances rather than abilities or accomplishments.
Masaba also spoke about the role lighting plays in how people perceive her. “I keep seeing how lighting plays such a big part in how you look. There have been times where I’ve done a shoot, and the lighting made me look a bit lighter than I am. People would then ask, ‘How is your skin so fair?’” she explained, adding that it’s often the use of filters and skin tints that alter perceptions, which can lead to further comments.
The Fight Against Body-Shaming
The designer-actor expressed how body-shaming has affected her and how she continues to push against it. “Sometimes, all that people see is textured skin or acne scars on you,” she said, sharing that this has fueled her drive to work harder and achieve more. “That’s my fight. Hopefully, 10 years later, someone will say they could see beyond my scars.”
Masaba’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the persistence of these societal issues, even in today’s more inclusive world. Her openness about her experiences is a call for people to look beyond superficial judgments and appreciate individuals for their talent and character.
Masaba’s Personal Life
Masaba is the daughter of legendary West Indies cricketer Sir Viv Richards and veteran Indian actor Neena Gupta. In 2015, she married Indian film producer Madhu Mantena, but the couple parted ways in 2018 and officially divorced in 2019. In January 2023, Masaba tied the knot with actor Satyadeep Mishra. In April 2024, the couple shared the exciting news of expecting their first child together.
A Flourishing Acting Career
Apart from her successful career in fashion, Masaba has made a name for herself in acting. She starred in the biographical drama series Masaba Masaba (2020–2022), where she portrayed herself, drawing inspiration from her life. She was also featured in Modern Love: Mumbai (2022), and served as a judge on MTV’s Supermodel of the Year in 2019.
Sources By Agencies
