Model turned actress Amna Ilyas was recently featured on Frieha Altaf’s podcast, where she candidly shared insights into her journey as a model and actress, discussing the myriad challenges and fluctuations that life has presented her.
Delving into her personal experiences within the entertainment industry, Amna openly discussed the issue of colourism. She bravely shared instances where external pressures prompted her to contemplate lightening her skin tone for photoshoots. Emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s natural self, Amna underscored the significance of diversity in casting. She passionately advocated for authentic portrayals, urging a shift towards appreciating and celebrating actors’ unique characteristics rather than conforming to unrealistic standards.
“Reflecting on my speech, where I advocated for the industry to embrace actors and artists as they are, it stemmed from a personal experience of being made two tones lighter in photoshoots,” shared the model. “I used to grapple with insecurities about myself, unaware of such practices until it directly affected me. At home, we all have a natural wheatish complexion. It became disheartening when, in my professional space, where I felt confident and stunning as a model, someone would approach me, applying a white base to alter my appearance. That’s when the self-doubt crept in, making me question, ‘Is there something wrong with me?”
Acceptance Struggles: Amna’s Journey Through Societal Expectations
The ‘Bandish‘ star, eloquently expressed the challenges she has faced in terms of self-acceptance, particularly as a woman navigating societal expectations. She highlighted the pervasive conditioning that, despite our achievements, suggests inadequacy and fosters the belief that certain pursuits are reserved for men. This subtle narrative, she noted, can create a constant struggle for acceptance among women.
She went on to say, “In my personal view, I strongly believe that when a role calls for a specific skin tone, whether it’s dark-skinned or Caucasian white, there exists a diverse market with talented actors suited for that particular role. Instead of altering someone’s natural complexion to fit a character, it’s more prudent to seek out an actor who naturally embodies those characteristics. Perhaps, there’s an actor who is not only fitting for the role but is also exceptionally deserving. I acknowledge the complexity of the decisions we make in the industry, often influenced by an actor’s recognition and established reputation, adding layers to the choices we pursue”.
Amna’s courage in openly sharing her experiences with the world is truly commendable. We all recognize that the showbiz industry is far from a walk in the park. Regardless of how attractive you may be, artists face daily pressures that can be quite challenging. Despite it all, they shine like true stars. We hope the ongoing debate around colourism and the obsession with fair skin comes to an end.
