Never understood the concept of fairness: Kangana Ranaut

Says Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, as she turns down a Rs 2 crore offer to endorse a fairness product

In a country that seems obsessed with fairer skin, it doesn’t come as a surprise that several Bollywood stars rake in fat pay cheques by endorsing fairness products. Actors like John Abraham, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan, Shahid Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are some of the many who have promoted products that claim to help lighten one’s skin tone.

However, it seems that not everyone in Bollywood is comfortable climbing aboard this bandwagon. Kangana Ranaut is the latest to have joined the list of actors who have taken a stand against endorsing fairness products.

“Ever since I was a kid, I have never understood the concept of fairness. Especially, in such a case, as a celebrity, what kind of an example would I be setting for younger people? I have no regrets about turning this offer down. As a public figure, I have responsibilities,” says Kangana, who was apparently offered `2 crore to become the face of this product.

Chitrangada Singh, Ranbir Kapoor and Esha Gupta are some of the other actors who have also turned down similar offers in the past. Kangana adds, “My sister (Rangoli Ranaut) is dusky, yet beautiful. If I go ahead and be part of this campaign, then, in a way, I would be insulting her. If I can’t do that to my sister, then how can I do it to the entire nation?”

Ask the actor about the fact that other well-known names in the industry are endorsing these products, and she says, “It’s about my value system. If other stars are doing it, it’s highly irresponsible behaviour on their part. But if they feel it is correct, I can’t change their opinion. I strongly feel that people should be responsible for their actions.”