Ulka Gupta who played the young role of Jhansi KI Rani aka Manu in Zee TV's show Jhansi Ki Rani recently talked about her experience of facing racism in Industry. 

Ulka opened up on racism, "I was very passionate about acting but surprisingly at the very young age, I came across the dark side of our industry. After wrapping up Resham Dankh, my father and I used to go for the auditions on a daily basis. And every time, I was disappointed to see that the producers are looking for a fair girl."

She added, "According to them, fair girl represents an up market girl. I was rejected so many times just for the sake of my dark skin. In fact, due to my complexion, I got a role of Saloni’s daughter in Saat Phere. Since, that show focused on the girl’s courage beyond her dark complexion; the casting directors finalized me. Otherwise, I was rejected most of the time. Surprisingly, after so many years, my casting agent still gets few requirements stating, ‘need a fair complexion girl’. Honestly, I have stopped going for such auditions. Fair hone se koi upmarket nahi dikhta. I want my talent to speak up for me and not the color of my skin." 

Ulka also said, "Can you believe that; at the age of 15, I was termed as tantrum queen? At the age of playing and enjoying work, I was surrounded by controversies and politics. While doing KHZAM, I was depressed. I was blamed as unprofessional towards my work which was totally false. Trust me; these negative reports did affect my health. I believe that at my growing age, I shouldn’t have been exposed to all these negativity. This was the reason; I did not take up any daily soap henceforth. I wanted to grow up in a normal atmosphere. My whole concentration is on the big screen now."

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