Amruta Subhash’s Journey: Overcoming Colorism and Redefining Beauty
Amruta Subhash, a powerhouse of talent in both Marathi and Hindi cinema, recently opened up about a deeply personal and painful experience from her childhood that shaped her journey in the entertainment industry. In an exclusive interview, the acclaimed actress shared how she was rejected from a dance group because of her skin color, an incident that left her questioning her own beauty and worth. Her story is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted biases that persist in society and the resilience it takes to rise above them.
Amruta, known for her stellar performances in films like Gully Boy, Raman Raghav 2.0, and Sacred Games, recounted a heartbreaking moment from her high school days. Her dance teacher had called for “beautiful girls” to audition for a dance group. Excited and eager, Amruta went to her mother, asking her to help her look “beautiful” for the audition. She put on kajal, dressed up, and stood in line, hoping to showcase her passion for dance. But her turn never came. When she approached the teacher to ask for a chance, she was bluntly told, “You don’t have light skin and light eyes. Hence, we can’t take you in the dance group.” Those words cut deep, leaving a young Amruta heartbroken and insecure about her appearance.
The rejection wasn’t just about missing out on a dance group—it planted seeds of self-doubt that lingered for years. Amruta shared, “When I was rejected because of my skin colour, I started hating my colour. I started believing that I wasn’t beautiful.” This experience followed her as she entered the film industry, where rejections for roles further fueled her insecurities. She began to believe the teacher’s words—that only fair-skinned women could succeed as actors.
What makes Amruta’s story so powerful is her journey of overcoming these insecurities. It took years for her to rebuild her confidence and embrace her unique beauty. Today, she stands as a celebrated actress, known for her versatility and ability to bring depth to every character she portrays, from the fierce mother in Gully Boy to the raw intensity of her role in Lust Stories 2. Her work in Marathi cinema, including films like Killa, Vihir, and Dithee, has earned her critical acclaim, while her Bollywood projects have showcased her ability to transcend stereotypes.
Amruta’s story sheds light on a broader issue: the pervasive colorism that continues to plague not just the entertainment industry but society at large. It’s disheartening to think that even today, skin tone can be a barrier to opportunities, whether in dance, acting, or other fields. Her experience also highlights the irony of women sometimes perpetuating these biases against other women. As Amruta noted, “We talk about women’s empowerment, but many times, a woman only defames another woman.” It’s a call to reflect on how we can uplift each other instead of tearing one another down.
Despite the challenges, Amruta’s journey is one of triumph. She has carved a niche for herself in an industry that often tries to box actors into stereotypes. From playing a bar dancer in Bombay Begums to a gritty RAW agent in Sacred Games 2, she has proven that talent and authenticity outweigh superficial standards. Her upcoming project, a psychological horror film Jarann directed by Anees Bazmee, is yet another testament to her versatility.
Amruta’s story is an inspiration for anyone who has ever felt “not enough” because of societal standards. It’s a reminder that beauty is not defined by skin tone or eye color but by the strength, passion, and resilience we bring to our craft. As she continues to shine on screen, Amruta Subhash is not just breaking barriers—she’s redefining what it means to be beautiful in an industry that’s slowly learning to value diversity.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate Amruta’s courage and talent, and let her story inspire us to challenge biases, embrace our uniqueness, and keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
Source: Hindustan Times, May 28, 2025