Aayush Sharma, an actor who ascended to Bollywood prominence through his acting endeavors, particularly with his debut in the 2018 romantic comedy ‘Loveyatri’ and more recently with the ready-to-release action-thriller ‘Ruslaan’, is drawing attention not for his screen presence, but for boldly addressing societal prejudices off-screen. Striking a chord with many, Aayush has firmly countered the colorist remarks directed towards his wife, Arpita Khan Sharma, advocating a message of acceptance and inclusivity.
Aayush and Arpita, who entered marital bliss in 2014, are doting parents to two children—Ahil, their son, and Ayat, their daughter who was born on December 27, 2021, sharing her special day with her celebrated uncle, Salman Khan. Amidst family joy and a flourishing career, Aayush’s recent interaction with journalist Siddharth Kanan brought to light a grave societal issue: colorism.
During the candid conversation, Aayush revealed the disturbing trend of hate his wife endures based on her skin tone, which he finds ludicrous. “Many people have an opinion about her skin color, which makes me laugh,” he stated. “What is the skin color of the majority of Indians? Is everyone fair-skinned? Being from Himachal, my complexion is light. And if you are dark or have a dusky skin tone, what’s wrong with that?” His poignant words highlight a stark reality – the obsession and undue importance given to a fair skin tone, a colonial vestige still deeply ingrained in Indian society’s consciousness.
Aayush’s reflections amplify a broader dialogue on self-acceptance. He questions the relentless pursuit of a particular skin color, comparing it to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement in America and lamenting the hypocrisy of undermining one’s own people. His rhetoric is simple yet powerful, positing why anyone should feel compelled to pay heed to societal standards of beauty that belittle the natural diversity of human pigmentation.
Furthering his stance, Aayush addressed the absurdity of unsolicited advice, recounting how people ask why he does not take Arpita to the gym. “Her skin color is what it is. If you don’t want to see it, then don’t,” Aayush expressed, underlining the personal autonomy everyone has over their bodies and choices.
While Aayush’s personal life has spotlighted a societal ailment, his professional pursuit continues with zeal. Audiences eagerly await his upcoming film ‘Ruslaan’, directed by Karan L Butani. Co-starring Sushrii Mishraa and Jagapathi Babu, the film tells the tale of Ruslaan’s rebellion against the constraints of conformity. As the film gears up to hit theatres on April 26, Aayush’s off-screen role as a champion for self-acceptance resonates just as strongly as his on-screen personas.
In an era where discussions on racism and body shaming are at the forefront, Aayush Sharma’s forthrightness is both refreshing and necessary. His firm dismissal of colorism marks not just a personal defense but a societal call to action, urging individuals to cast aside prejudices and embrace diversity. Speaking against an issue affecting a substantial demographic in India and beyond, Aayush’s challenge to conventional beauty norms encapsulates both a personal conviction and public advocacy, thus reminding everyone that true beauty defiantly shines regardless of its shade.
