How India’s Very Own Rihanna Is Breaking Fair Skin Obsession

We might have moved on from the cuffs of caste, creed, racism, sexism, etc. yet there’s one thing sadly, most of the people out there all over the world haven’t moved on from — their obsession for fair skin! We all know how millions of individuals all over the globe opt for skin-lightening treatments and creams with the hope that these treatments will make them more attractive, might land them a better job, and help them receive the respect that they deserve in the society they live in. You will be shocked to know that nearly 31.2 billion dollars estimate is being spent on such skin-lightening products (1).

Why has there always been a need for such a product in the market? Why do we need skin lightening treatments in this world? The answer can be found within us! If we felt comfortable in our skin’s color irrespective of whether we are dusky or fair or dark, this kind of industry would never have sprung up in the first place. Don’t you think so? It’s heartbreaking, but honestly, India is still one of those countries where having dark skin is an act of liability. Dark skin has been considered undesirable, and mind you, it’s not the case of just women here; some brands endorse fairness creams even for men. Here’s a story of a woman who faced the wrath of being born with dark skin. But she chose to make it the highlight of her life in the most positive way. Read on.

The Story Of Renee Kujur

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She hears people calling her, “Rihanna, Rihanna” wherever she goes. Renee Kujur who hails from Chhattisgarh has so much in common with the R&B superstar, Robyn Rihanna Fenty—the chocolate-colored skin, the complete pout lips, stunning eyes—all of which makes her a doppelgänger of Rihanna. Now, she has an illuminated modeling career and has also been called as “Indian Rihanna” by many. However, Renee’s life wasn’t all that peaceful or cheerful since her childhood.  She’s often faced criticism for her dark skin both while growing up as well as when she decided to step into the modeling world.

“Dekho Dekho Kaali Pari”

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(Oh look, that’s a black colored fairy) The above line is what the crowd chanted when Renee took part in a fancy dress competition when she was just three years old. Dressed up as a fairy, she was wearing a beautiful angel-like dress and also wore striking wings as part of her outfit. The moment she walked up and stood on stage, instead of cheering her, the crowd started to boo her by calling her a black fairy. A heartbroken Renee ran away sobbing.

Her Struggle To Become A Model

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The weakest Renee ever felt after she grew up was the initial years of her decision to become a model and work towards it. She recalls how she was left unemployed for almost a year because of the way she looked. “I had no job for a year and was frustrated. Then, I made my portfolio from my savings. I started circulating it and got nothing but rejection. People made fun of my flat nose and complained about my dark skin. I was always told that only fair models were needed,” she said (2).
Another setback she had to face while finding modeling projects for herself was her age. She had started late as a model and in the world of fashion, the industry always prefers young models. “People usually want younger models. I started my modeling career at 28. Agencies rejected me because of my age without even meeting me in person,” she recalls (3). And on the occasions when she finally bagged a modeling project, the photographers would ask the makeup artists to lighten Renee’s skin tone by 2-3 shades. And in some agencies, they always photoshopped her images. This made Renee depressed.

The Humiliation Faded With Her Uncanny Resemblance To Rihanna

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At first, it was her friend who had noticed that Renee indeed looked like Rihanna. Renee laughed it off thinking it’s ridiculous. But then, later on, many started noticing it too. People love Rihanna for her raw beauty and this made them start loving Renee too. Most of the fashion houses and photographers convinced each other saying Renee is the Indian Rihanna and worked with her. This resemblance gave her career as a model a kickstart. The resemblance that bought a positive change in her life made Renee believe that it’s all a mind game. She said that she is very grateful for Rihanna because if it wasn’t for the resemblance she had with her, she wouldn’t have realized how beautiful she is. She wouldn’t have been the confident model she has become right now.

Let’s End All Stereotypes

badgalrene / Instagram

Off late, we surely have been seeing and reading stories of women like Renee who are coming out and smashing stereotypes. We shouldn’t just read them, applaud them, and forget about them. We need to bring a change in the thinking of both ourselves as well as the people who surround us (for example, our parents, siblings, and our relatives). As they say, it has to start at home, right? Don’t you agree to this? What are your views on this? Let us know in the comments below.

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