In a world that constantly celebrates inclusivity and meritocracy, the continued obsession with physical appearance remains a troubling paradox. The recent case of a woman from Visakhapatnam, who alleged she was rejected from a job interview because her face “lacked glow”, underscores the deeply entrenched biases in our society. Similarly, the hugely talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui—celebrated for his craft and grit—recently shared how physical appearance still acts as a barrier in the Indian film industry. He also recalled a disturbing incident when a prominent Bollywood actress walked out of a film project because she was unwilling to perform a kissing scene with him. These instances are not isolated; they are symptomatic of a culture that persistently equates value with visual appeal.

From job interviews to matrimony ads and cinema to corporate boardrooms, the premium placed on “good looks” is ubiquitous. Fairness creams continue to flood the market, despite pushbacks and policy changes. Matrimonial ads often perpetuate the fairness quotient by explicitly seeking “fair” brides, equating lighter skin with beauty, virtue, and desirability. This reinforces deep-rooted colourism, marginalises darker-skinned individuals, and contradicts ideals of equality. Such language subtly endorses discriminatory standards under the guise of cultural........

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