New Delhi: Actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya has opened up about a disturbing instance of alleged colour-based discrimination in the entertainment industry, revealing that he was replaced from an advertisement just days before the shoot because of his skin tone. His remarks have once again brought attention to the issue of colour bias that continues to persist in the Indian film and advertising space.
The actor, known for his strong performances across films and OTT platforms, shared the experience while speaking about the deep-rooted prejudices that still influence casting decisions.
Actor recounts last-minute replacement
Dibyendu Bhattacharya revealed that he had been finalised for an advertisement project and discussions had taken place over several days. However, just three days before the shoot, he was informed that he would no longer be part of the project.
Speaking in an interview, he recalled being told directly that he was replaced due to his skin colour. According to the actor, the makers said, “You have been replaced because you are dark, and they do not want a dark actor.”
He described the experience as unfortunate but added that such incidents reflect a larger systemic issue rather than an isolated case.
“It’s very unfortunate, but you cannot do much about it,” he said, emphasising that the problem stems from deeply ingrained social conditioning.
Deep-rooted bias in society
The actor highlighted that colour-based prejudice is not limited to the entertainment industry but is rooted in broader societal attitudes. He stressed that unless values such as equality and social ethics are introduced early in education, such discrimination will continue.
According to him, the issue lies in the lack of awareness and sensitivity during formative years, which later manifests in professional spaces like film and advertising.
Interestingly, Dibyendu Bhattacharya noted that the specific comment made by the advertisers did not personally affect him as much as it underscored the systemic bias that still exists.
He said that such remarks are indicative of a mindset where physical appearance, particularly skin tone, unfairly determines opportunities.
Ongoing conversation on representation
The actor’s comments come at a time when conversations around diversity and representation in Indian cinema and OTT platforms are gaining momentum. While there has been progress in storytelling and casting, incidents like these suggest that biases continue to influence decision-making behind the scenes.
Colourism has long been criticised in the Indian entertainment industry, with actors and activists calling for more inclusive representation and equal opportunities irrespective of appearance.
Dibyendu Bhattacharya’s experience adds to a growing list of voices highlighting the need for change, especially in casting practices that often favour conventional beauty standards.
Recent work and career highlights
On the professional front, Dibyendu Bhattacharya was recently seen in Undekhi Season 4, which premiered on SonyLIV on May 1. In the series, he plays the role of DSP Barun Ghosh, a character that has been widely appreciated for its depth and intensity.
The show also features actors like Harsh Chhaya, Surya Sharma, Ankur Rathee and Gautam Rode in key roles.
Over the years, Dibyendu Bhattacharya has earned critical acclaim for his performances in projects such as Black Friday, Criminal Justice and Maharani. He has also been recognised for his roles in Dev.D, Jamtara and Rocket Boys.
Conclusion
Dibyendu Bhattacharya’s revelations highlight a persistent issue of colour bias that continues to affect professionals in the entertainment industry. While his personal resilience is evident, the incident underscores the urgent need for structural and cultural change.
As conversations around inclusivity grow louder, addressing such biases at both societal and institutional levels will be crucial in creating a more equitable environment for artists across the industry.