Masaba Gupta, a talented actor and fashion designer, has always been candid about her experiences with body image and skin-related criticism. Recently, she opened up about the damaging remarks she has faced throughout her life, particularly regarding her skin. In a conversation with journalist Faye D’Souza on her podcast, Masaba shared personal stories that reflect the mental toll of appearance-based criticism, especially for someone in the public eye.
Masaba’s mother, veteran actress Neena Gupta, had early reservations about her daughter pursuing acting. Masaba revealed that her mother told her bluntly that she didn’t fit the conventional beauty standards in the Indian film industry. Neena’s words, though harsh, were honest. She told her daughter that the film industry in India operates a certain way, with specific “faces” being associated with mainstream actors. “She said, ‘You will always be considered a bit out of the box, too artsy, that probably get vamp roles, the seductress.’” Masaba explained that her mother suggested she not aim for being a mainstream Hindi film heroine because she believed it wouldn’t happen.
Despite these warnings, Masaba has carved out her own path, both in fashion and acting. However, that hasn’t shielded her from the cruel judgments of the public. Masaba’s experiences highlight how deeply appearance-based criticism can affect someone’s mental health. In one particularly hurtful instance, after she posted a video on Instagram without using filters, she was compared to veteran actor Om Puri. The comment specifically targeted her acne scars, with a troll saying, “But what are you doing with a makeup brand, you have skin like Om Puri.” Masaba, who had been promoting a skin tint in the video, was taken aback by the remark.
While Om Puri was a legendary actor, known for his outstanding talent and contribution to Indian cinema, Masaba pointed out how irrelevant and damaging it was for someone to compare her appearance to his. “What business does anyone have to talk about anything except Om Puri’s acting talent?” she questioned, highlighting the absurdity of basing any discussion on someone’s appearance rather than their work.
Masaba’s frustrations reflect a much broader issue that affects not only celebrities but also ordinary people who are judged for their looks rather than their abilities. For someone in the public eye, every flaw is scrutinized, and social media magnifies this criticism to an extreme. Whether it’s acne scars, body size, or any other physical trait, trolls find a way to attack, leaving a lasting impact on mental health. For Masaba, who has been open about her skin issues, these comments hurt on a deeper level.
What’s particularly commendable about Masaba is how she continues to rise above the negativity. She has embraced her natural skin and built her brand around authenticity. By refusing to hide her flaws, she challenges conventional beauty standards and sets an example for young women who look up to her. In the conversation with Faye, Masaba expressed her determination to maintain her confidence and sense of self-worth despite the constant appearance-based criticism she faces. She emphasized that her worth is not defined by her skin or looks, but by her talent and resilience.
Masaba’s experience reveals the damaging effects of beauty standards imposed by society, particularly in the entertainment industry. It raises important questions about why physical appearance still carries so much weight in determining someone’s worth or success, especially in an industry where talent should be the primary focus. Masaba’s comparison to Om Puri shows how deep-seated these biases are and how they persist even in today’s supposedly progressive world.
Ultimately, Masaba’s story serves as a reminder that our perceptions of beauty are often limited by unrealistic standards. Her openness about her struggles invites others to reflect on the importance of self-acceptance, and how damaging it can be when we let society dictate our self-worth based on something as superficial as appearance.