Chum Darang, an actress from Arunachal Pradesh, recently opened up about her role in the popular Amazon Prime series Paatal Lok, where she portrayed a Chinese woman, a decision she made out of financial necessity. While the role garnered attention for its complex character, Darang’s personal journey as an outsider in the entertainment industry is equally poignant, marked by both challenges and triumphs. In her candid conversation, she shared the obstacles she faced in Mumbai and her experiences of being stereotyped and misunderstood.
Darang’s role in Paatal Lok may have been brief, but it made a significant impact. She played the part of a Chinese woman, a character that was part of a larger narrative exploring societal divisions and the underworld. The series, which was widely praised for its gritty portrayal of contemporary India, not only delved into issues of class, caste, and corruption but also brought attention to the discrimination faced by marginalized communities. Darang’s character was central to highlighting the xenophobia and prejudice that often goes unnoticed in Indian society.
A Role Played Out of Necessity
In a revealing conversation, Darang opened up about her decision to take the role, admitting that she accepted it because she “needed money.” Like many actors in the early stages of their careers, financial constraints and a lack of opportunities often lead individuals to take on roles they might not have originally envisioned for themselves. Darang, despite being a talented performer, was no exception.
“There are times when you have to make decisions based on your immediate needs. I was still trying to establish myself in Mumbai, and when the role came up, I had to take it. I didn’t have the luxury of turning it down,” Darang explained. Although the character she portrayed was not one she identified with personally, Darang noted that it provided her with the exposure and experience she needed to move forward in her acting career.
However, Darang was also aware of the complexities surrounding her character. The role of a Chinese woman in Paatal Lok was rooted in stereotypes and, at times, relied on a narrow view of ethnic identities. Yet, she embraced the challenge, using her performance as an opportunity to engage with the prejudices many people from the Northeast face in mainstream media.
The Challenges of Being a ‘Chow Chow’ in Mumbai
Darang’s experience in Mumbai has been far from easy. The actress recalled how she was often called “chow chow” — a derogatory term used to stereotype people from Northeast India. This term, often used to reference their physical features and origins, reflects the deep-rooted biases and prejudices that many people from the region face in other parts of the country, particularly in cities like Mumbai.
She recounted how these experiences shaped her perception of the entertainment industry and her own identity. “When I first moved to Mumbai, I had no idea what the city had in store for me. I would hear things like ‘chow chow’ all the time, and at first, I didn’t know how to respond. It hurt, but over time, I learned to let it go,” Darang said.
For people from Northeast India, stereotypes and biases are a constant hurdle. These prejudices often manifest in the form of racial slurs, mispronunciations, or assumptions based on physical appearance. While Mumbai is known for its diversity, Darang’s experience reveals that such diversity often comes with hidden layers of discrimination.
In addition to facing racial prejudice, Darang struggled to find roles that reflected her true identity. As an actor of Mongoloid descent, opportunities in mainstream Hindi cinema were limited, and many roles available to her were based on preconceived notions about what people from Northeast India should look and behave like. These types of roles — often one-dimensional and stereotypical — forced Darang to confront her own place in an industry that is not always inclusive.
Overcoming Stereotypes and Finding Strength
Despite the struggles, Darang’s determination to carve a niche for herself in the entertainment industry has kept her going. With each challenge, she grew more resilient, refusing to let stereotypes define her or limit her potential. Over time, Darang began to embrace her uniqueness and use it as a strength, advocating for better representation of Northeast Indians in mainstream media.
Her breakthrough role in Paatal Lok helped bring attention to the larger issue of representation, but Darang is quick to point out that it was only the beginning. “I hope this role, even though it was brief, can inspire others like me to not give up. We need more diverse narratives. We need to tell our stories, not just through the lens of what people expect us to be, but as individuals with our own unique experiences,” she shared.
Through her work, Darang aims to break down the barriers and stereotypes that have historically limited opportunities for people from Northeast India in Bollywood and other Indian film industries. She believes that the true power of storytelling lies in its ability to transcend boundaries and represent the vast diversity that exists within India.
Looking Ahead: Hope for Better Representation
In recent years, there has been a growing conversation about diversity and inclusion in Indian cinema. While there is still much work to be done, the increased visibility of actors from diverse backgrounds, including those from Northeast India, offers hope for the future. Darang herself is now more confident in her abilities and is actively seeking out roles that allow her to explore a range of characters beyond the stereotypical representations.
“I’ve learned a lot from my past experiences, and I’ve realized that the most important thing is to stay true to yourself. If you don’t take ownership of your identity, no one else will,” Darang reflected.
The path forward may not be easy, but Chum Darang’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-empowerment, and the need for greater representation in the Indian entertainment industry. As she continues to navigate her career, Darang remains committed to challenging the status quo and advocating for a more inclusive, authentic portrayal of people from all walks of life.
Conclusion
Chum Darang’s story is one of resilience in the face of adversity, and her experiences as an outsider in Mumbai reflect the broader issues of racial prejudice and limited representation faced by many individuals from Northeast India. Despite the challenges, she continues to break down barriers in the entertainment industry, hoping that her work can inspire others to embrace their true selves and demand the opportunities they deserve.