Manto director Nandita Das has come in support for her film's actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui after he admitted to face racism in industry, “It is no surprise that Nawaz’s skin colour would have impeded his career. All around us — be it films, television, magazines, hoardings, ads, everywhere we have ‘fair’ people, in a country that is largely dark!”

Nandita blames fairness creams, “Every skin care product has a skin lightening element. Dark-skinned people are often made to feel inadequate, right from their childhood."

“Having supported the ‘Dark is Beautiful’ campaign for the last four years, I’m aware of so many more stories of discrimination. At least, many doors have opened for people like Nawaz and me, but what about those who are pushed to the wall as most doors just close on them?” the actress said.

Nandita admires Nawaz: “In an industry where being fair is one of the primary ingredients of good looks and being accepted, I can see the challenges that Nawaz must have faced in his career. After he has been around for over 10 years, it’s his sheer talent and perseverance that has made him overcome this prejudice. I am happy for him.”

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