Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh has opened up about facing challenges in securing diverse roles due to his fair skin tone. In a recent interview with Hindi Rush, the actor expressed his frustration, stating that while other actors like Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan managed to break stereotypes, he has often been overlooked for roles that require a more rugged or common-man appeal.
Talking about the industry’s perception of him, Neil said, “I agree that in a country with a population of about 140 crore, I am unique. But that doesn’t mean I don’t fit the perspective of a common man. The problem isn’t that I’m not trying… Today, we can make white skin look dark, right? Technology and makeup have advanced so much that we can completely transform an actor’s face. So, give some attention to acting as well. If you believe I can act, give me an opportunity.”
He further pointed out that actors like Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan managed to break away from their perceived images. “Saif Ali Khan saab could do Langda Tyagi in Omkara, right? Hrithik Roshan saab broke himself free from the ‘Greek God’ mould and did Super 30, right? They can get opportunities off the ground, but here, I have to keep trying,” he added.
Neil Nitin Mukesh’s Career
Neil Nitin Mukesh, who began his journey in the film industry as a child artist in the late 1980s, made his lead debut with Johnny Gaddaar in 2007. He later starred in successful films like New York, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, and Golmaal Again. His most recent appearance was in Hisaab Barabar, alongside R. Madhavan and Kirti Kulhari.
Despite his acting credentials, Neil feels that Bollywood’s casting norms have limited his opportunities. With increasing conversations around diversity in Indian cinema, his statement raises questions about how actors are still being typecast based on their appearance rather than their talent.
Sources By Agencies
