Dibyendu Bhattacharya opens up about racism in the industry, reveals he was replaced from an ad for being dark-skinned

Dibyendu Bhattacharya (Pic/Instagram)

Despite his noteworthy versatility in roles, Dibyendu Bhattacharya has often opened up about facing racism in Bollywood. In fact, the actor, who has been a part of the film industry for over 20 years, had even revealed being rejected from projects because of his complexion. Dibyendu recently recalled how he was allegedly replaced in an advertisement for being "too dark-skinned."

Dibyendu Bhattacharya on facing racism in the industry

While speaking to Bollywood Bubble, Dibyendu Bhattacharya recalled getting replaced in an advertisement just days before the shoot because he was dark-skinned. The actor shared, "This is an issue and it is very rooted. Just a few days ago, I got cast for an advertisement and for 4-5 days discussions went on and just three days later, the shoot was supposed to happen. So I asked them, ‘Are we doing the shoot or not?' They said, ‘Nahi Dada, aapko replace kiya kyunki aap kaale ho aur kaala actor nahi chahiye.'"

Dibyendu shared that the makers had used those exact words, but clarified that the remark did not personally bother him since he is secure in his identity. He further added, "It's very unfortunate, but you can't really do much. If you don't introduce social ethics and norms at the very foundation, during primary education, then this can't be achieved."

Dibyendu Bhattacharya's work front

Dibyendu was most recently seen in Undekhi Season 4, which released on SonyLIV on May 1. Directed by Ashish R. Shukla, the show also stars Harsh Chhaya, Surya Sharma, Ankur Rathee, and Gautam Rode in key roles.

Before this, he appeared in the Netflix series Maamla Legal Hai 2. The show featured actors like Ravi Kishan, Naila Grrewal, Nidhi Bisht, Anant Joshi, Tanvi Azmi, and Kusha Kapila in pivotal roles.

Talking about his upcoming projects, he is all set to star in YRF spy universe film Alpha. The film stars Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol in key roles. After much delay, it is all set to hit screens on July 10. He is also a part of Raakh, an upcoming investigative crime thriller starring Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, and Aamir Bashir. Directed by Prosit Roy, it premieres in 2026. Notably, Prosit and Dibyendu had also collaborated on Chakda 'Xpress, starring Anushka Sharma. However, the film got shelved.