Ace fashion designer and actor Masaba Gupta, daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta and cricket legend Vivian Richards, is preparing to welcome her first child. In an interview with journalist Faye D’Souza, Masaba discussed the unsolicited and often inappropriate advice she’s received during her pregnancy, shedding light on the deep-rooted racial biases still prevalent in India.
Unsolicited Pregnancy Advice
During the interview, Masaba recounted instances where people offered advice that reflected troubling racial stereotypes. She shared a recent experience: “Just yesterday, someone advised me to eat a rasgulla every day because it would make my baby lighter than me.” She added, “Fifteen days before that, during a prenatal massage, my masseuse said, ‘You must drink milk so your baby won’t turn out dusky.’”
Masaba pointed out the casual nature of these remarks, noting that they were said “with so much innocence,” making it difficult to confront the individuals. She jokingly remarked, “What can I do? Punch my masseuse? No.” The designer highlighted the absurdity of such advice, drawing attention to the racial undertones that persist even in 2024.
Addressing Racism
Masaba also spoke about the broader issue of colorism in Indian society, emphasizing how deeply ingrained these biases are. “You raise a child that hopefully has the resilience to power through it. That’s all you can do because it’s not going to change,” she said. Despite society’s attempts to be politically correct, she believes these prejudices still thrive behind closed doors.
She expressed frustration over the continued use of derogatory terms like “kaali” (dark-skinned) as a form of insult. “It’s shocking how many educated, wealthy, and well-read people hold these views,” Masaba remarked. “I witness it till today. It’s 2024, and it hasn’t changed.”
Personal Life and Career
Masaba tied the knot with actor Satyadeep Mishra in January 2023, and the couple announced their pregnancy in April this year. The two worked together on the Netflix series Masaba Masaba, which revolves around Masaba’s personal and professional life. The show ran for two successful seasons, though it has not yet been renewed for a third.
As Masaba prepares for motherhood, she continues to speak out against societal issues, hoping for a future where such prejudices no longer exist.
