They told me all models are into prostitution. Source: Instagramīesides facing the colour bias, Renee also had to dodge casting couch experiences. Agencies rejected me only because of my age without even meeting me in person,” she recalls.
Since she started late and the fashion industry prefers young models, Renee was forced to hide her actual age, “People usually want younger models. I was always told that only fair models were needed, she tells India Today. People made fun of my flat nose and complained about my dark skin. I started circulating it and got nothing but rejection. Then, I made my portfolio from my savings.
I had no job for a year and was frustrated. Another instance she distinctly remembers is from her initial days in modelling.įor almost a year, she remained unemployed because of how she looked. This was one of the many incidents that Renee has been a victim of. “ Dekho dekho kaali pari (oh look, a black fairy),” the audience repeatedly shouted this line, demeaning Renee. As soon as she walked up to the stage, the crowd booed, instead of cheering until the little girl walked away sobbing. Her first encounter with the name and shame was when she was merely three-years-old.ĭressed as a fairy in a beautiful dress and striking wings, Renee participated in the fancy dress competition. Also, who hasn’t heard unfortunate stories from our country where dark skin is a liability.ĭark skin is considered undesirable, and not just for women, keeping in mind that fairness creams for men are endorsed by Indian mega stars! Renee Kujur from Chhattisgarh was also a victim of the dark skin stereotype while growing up, and even after she entered the modelling profession. Not a lot of people are feeling comfortable in their skin, clearly. The global spending on skin-lightening products will be $31.2 billion by 2024. Millions of people all around the world use skin-lightening creams with the hope of being more attractive, getting a better job, and earning a higher standard of living.