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Renowned actress Kangana Ranaut has drawn attention to the absence of Indian female actors with "deep, dusky" complexions in the entertainment industry. Taking to Instagram Stories, she voiced her concerns while highlighting Monalisa, the young woman who recently became an internet sensation following her appearance at the Maha Kumbh 2025 . Budget with ET Budget must find a fix for a crisis before it's too late Is India about to add more 'castes' in one day? Will Sitharaman give middle-class consumers some respite from price pain? Kangana expressed disappointment over the intense scrutiny Monalisa faces from the public, particularly the persistent requests for photographs.
She also questioned why the film industry no longer features young actresses with darker skin tones. Kangana shared an image of Monalisa on her Instagram account, praising her for her natural beauty. She lamented the harassment the teenager has endured and raised an important question: "Do we still have any representation of dusky-skinned Indian women in the glamour industry? Are today’s audiences appreciating young actresses the way they once did Anu Agarwal, Kajol, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, or Rani Mukerji?" Continuing her discussion, Kangana further remarked, "Why do all actresses today have an almost porcelain-like complexion, even those who had noticeably darker skin when they were younger? Is this the result of excessive reliance on laser skin treatments and glutathione injections?" Monalisa’s Rise to Fame And Subsequent Challenges Monalisa Bhonsle , a 16-year-old flower and garland seller from Indore, unexpectedly found herself in the spotlight after gaining widespread attention at Maha Kumbh 2025.
Her striking facial features captivated onlookers, propelling her to instant social media fame. However, this recognition came at a price—she became the target of relentless attention from men, leading to troubling instances of harassment. Concerned for her well-being, Monalisa’s family ultimately decided to bring her back home to ensure her safety.
Kangana’s Latest Professional Endeavors On the career front, Kangana Ranaut was most recently seen in Emergency, a film in which she not only played the lead role but also took on the responsibility of directing. She portrayed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in this political biographical drama, which delves into one of India's most controversial historical periods. Emergency premiered on January 17, but despite the buzz surrounding its release, the film received mixed-to-negative critical reviews.
Additionally, it struggled to achieve commercial success at the box office. As per reports, Ranaut will next be seen in 'Tanu Weds Manu 3'. A picture of her shooting with Madhavan was recently shared on social media.
Kangana’s outspoken remarks on beauty standards in the entertainment industry have reignited discussions on colorism, representation, and unrealistic beauty ideals. As the conversation continues, many are reflecting on whether the Indian film industry has moved away from embracing diversity in skin tones, favoring a homogenized perception of beauty instead..
