Aahana Kumra Wears Dark Makeup To Look Like Cricketer Jhulan Goswami In Her Tribute Post, Gets Severely Criticised
Think before you post is the 2021 version of the good ol’ phrase ‘think before you speak’. It is even more important for the people in the limelight. They can never be too careful on social media especially with the trolls out there waiting for them to screw up. However unintentional it may be, a slip-up can seem like a sin in the world of social media. There have been multiple instances where celebrities have gotten a stink eye from their fans and followers for posting hurtful, insensitive or offensive posts on their Instagram and Twitter accounts, regardless of how accidental or intentional they were. Aahana Kumra recently got slammed for a making similar social media offence when she posted a tribute post for cricketer Jhulan Goswami. There was nothing wrong with the tribute, but it was her get-up, especially makeup, that was problematic.
In an attempt to look exactly like the sportswoman, she put on the Indian cricket team jersey, donned shorter hair and altered her skin colour. She made her face look darker with makeup to look like Goswami which was an unnecessary and insensitive move. However, it was simply to pay tribute to her. But in these times when there’s enough to go on to understand how skin colour might be an issue, the post seems extremely tone deaf.
She wrote in the caption, “No I’m not promoting any film. This is purely a tribute to a woman I admire the most after spending time with her and learning her whole story about her journey, her hardships and her passion for the sport! @jhulangoswami fondly called jhulan di by all her team mates is loved and admired by all the members of the Indian women’s cricket team!” She got the photoshoot done in her professional attire and wrote a heartfelt caption, but it was the modification of the skin tone, where she went wrong.
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She added, “This photo series is my tribute to her and hopefully as actresses one day we can all break stereotypes and be the best versions of ourselves by telling the greatest stories!! @jhulangoswami thank you for your story! And I wish and pray the best for you forever! Your fan! AK” She could have avoided getting a blackface which is highly offensive and rooted in colourism.
Although Jhulan Goswami seemingly loved the gesture and commented on the post, “Great job keep it up!!”, netizens called the actor out on her inconsiderate move. They criticised her for using darker makeup to look like the athlete which was inappropriate and uncalled for. A user wrote, “What a shame that you need such make up to depict that character which is not even looking convincing. Infact it’s ridiculing the perosn who is a legend [sic].” Another user wrote, “What a tribute by colouring yourself black … Not to 1 percent you show any resemblance to her so is it a tribute or invitation for directors to direct a film on her and cast you as main lead or are just making fun of her?”
Blackface or brownface is extremely offensive and perpetuates colourism and racism in society. While we are sure Aahana had her heart in the right place, a little discretion wouldn’t have hurt anyone. Let’s steer clear of blackface or brownface even for a wholesome and innocent tribute post, cause, it’s just wrong!
