Chum Darang, a budding star in the entertainment industry, has already made her mark playing Bigg Boss 18 and Badhaai Do, where she portrayed her powerful presence. The Arunachal Pradesh-born actress recently shared with BBC India her experiences with racism and the absence of inclusivity in the industry in an interview.
Confronting Racism and Growing a “Thicker Skin”
Having relocated to Mumbai to seek her fortune, Chum remembered instances of racism early in her working life. She spoke of how young boys at shopping malls used to mock her by labeling her as “momo” and “chow chow,” racial abuses targeting her northeast look. Chum described these instances as being painful, yet eventually, she developed a tougher hide. She said, “I just want everyone to know that we are also from this country. I may look different, but I’m Indian too.” Her resilience in the midst of such discrimination is an indication of the resilience of the people in an industry which hardly accepts diversity in its entirety.
Also Read: Holi 2025: Chum Darang’s Epic colour attack on Karan Veer Mehra at Ankita Lokhande’s party
Challenges in the Industry and the Struggle for Representation
Chum also reminisced about playing the role of a Chinese infomercial girl in Paatal Lok, exposing the few options available to northeasterners working in mainstream media. She admitted that the roles were few and far between, and she had taken up the role in Paatal Lok due to economic needs. But she pointed out, “After that I realized, nahi, I am meant for bigger things.” Chum’s experience highlights the continued struggle for more representation and diverse roles in Indian cinema.
The Road Ahead: Breaking Barriers
In professional terms, Chum has come into the spotlight as the 4th runner-up of Bigg Boss 18 and due to performances in movies such as Badhaai Do and Gangubai Kathiawadi. She has recently also named out YouTuber Elvish Yadav for racist comments on her, proving her readiness to fight for herself against any discrimination. Beyond the setbacks, Chum remains intent on taking her career to bigger roles better representing her skill and identity.
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