Dibyendu Bhattacharya, widely recognized for his role in the popular series Mirzapur, has spoken candidly about the persistent issue of racism within the film industry. He described it as a deeply ingrained problem that continues to influence casting decisions.
Personal Experience with Bias
In a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, Bhattacharya shared a personal anecdote to illustrate how skin color bias remains prevalent. He disclosed that he was replaced in an advertisement just days before the scheduled shoot. According to him, the casting process had progressed over four to five days, with the shoot planned for three days later. When he inquired about the shoot, the response was blunt: "No, Dada, you have been replaced because you are dark-skinned, and we do not want a dark-skinned actor."
A Systemic Issue
The actor emphasized that such incidents reflect a larger systemic problem rather than isolated cases. He stated that he was not personally affected, as he is comfortable with his identity, but he underscored that the issue extends beyond individual experiences. Bhattacharya linked the problem to societal conditioning from a young age. He remarked, "It is very unfortunate, but you cannot do anything if the foundation itself is flawed. If primary education does not introduce social ethics and norms, then change is difficult."
Comparison with Other Countries
He drew comparisons with countries like Japan and Korea, where, according to him, children are taught discipline and empathy through the education system. In India, such values often depend on upbringing at home rather than being reinforced in schools, which perpetuates biases.
Recent Work
Bhattacharya was most recently seen in Undekhi Season 4, which premiered on May 1. Directed by Ashish R Shukla, the series also features Harsh Chhaya, Surya Sharma, Ankur Rathee, and Gautam Rode in key roles. The show has garnered mixed reviews. Prior to this, he appeared in Maamla Legal Hai 2, which was well-received by both critics and audiences. That series starred Ravi Kishan, Naila Grrewal, Nidhi Bisht, Anant Joshi, Tanvi Azmi, and Kusha Kapila in important roles.
