Vaani Kapoor Gets Candid About Being Rejected in 2025: A Deep Dive into Her Journey
Vaani Kapoor, a prominent Bollywood actress known for films like Shuddh Desi Romance, War, and Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, has always been open about the highs and lows of her career. In 2025, she made headlines with candid revelations about facing rejection in the film industry, particularly due to unrealistic beauty standards and the challenges of cancel culture. As she promotes her upcoming Netflix series Mandala Murders and navigates the fallout from her banned film Abir Gulaal, Vaani’s reflections on rejection, body-shaming, and artistic freedom offer a powerful perspective on resilience and self-acceptance. This article explores her recent statements, the context of her rejections, and her ongoing journey in Bollywood.
Vaani Kapoor’s Shocking Rejection for Skin Color
In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha on July 22, 2025, Vaani Kapoor shared a disheartening experience from early in her career when she was dropped from a film due to her skin tone. A director rejected her because she wasn’t deemed “milky white” or “fair enough,” highlighting the pervasive colorism in Bollywood’s casting practices. Vaani, who moved from New Delhi to Mumbai to pursue acting, faced scrutiny not just for her talent but for her appearance, a common challenge for outsiders without industry connections. “I haven’t been told directly, but information reaches via other people,” she revealed, recalling the incident that left a lasting impact.
Despite the rejection, Vaani emphasized her self-acceptance, stating, “I like me! I don’t want to change anything about myself. I’m fit and healthy.” She acknowledged ongoing comments about her physique, with some suggesting she’s “too skinny” and should “put on some weight” because “people like women with fuller bodies.” Vaani dismissed these remarks, noting that she’s unbothered by criticism unless it’s constructive, and affirmed her confidence in her identity. This resilience underscores her ability to navigate an industry often obsessed with unrealistic beauty standards.
Facing Body-Shaming and Trolling
Vaani’s experiences with rejection extend beyond casting decisions to public trolling and body-shaming. In 2020, she faced harsh comments on Instagram, with trolls calling her “manly,” “malnourished,” and even an “ugly b**ch.” Far from letting the negativity define her, Vaani responded with grace and wit. For instance, when a troll labeled her “manly,” she retorted, “I hope you’re aware you’re nothing but an attention seeker… you still can get necessary help.” Another user who commented on her “malnutrition” was met with, “Why don’t you find something productive to do in life? Stop reflecting hate.” These responses showcase her ability to confront online hate while maintaining her dignity.
In her 2025 News18 interview, Vaani addressed ongoing body-shaming, noting that comments about her slim frame persist. She emphasized her focus on health and fitness, saying, “I’m pretty okay and I like who I am.” Her defiance against societal expectations reflects a broader message of self-love, encouraging others to embrace their individuality despite external pressures.
Cancel Culture and the Abir Gulaal Controversy
Vaani’s 2025 also saw her grappling with the fallout from her film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. Set for release on May 9, 2025, the romantic drama was banned in India following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people and reignited tensions between India and Pakistan. The backlash led to boycott calls against Pakistani artists, and government sources confirmed the film would not be released in India. As a result, all promotional content for Abir Gulaal was removed from Vaani’s Instagram, though reports clarified that the posts were collaboration posts removed by the film’s team, not Vaani herself.
At the trailer launch for Mandala Murders on July 18, 2025, Vaani spoke out against cancel and boycott culture, criticizing its impact on artistic freedom. “I don’t get the cancel and boycott culture,” she told PTI. “This whole ‘ek cheez galat bol di, cancel karo, boycott karo’ (say one thing wrong, and there are calls for cancel and boycott). We’re being so harsh to one another.” She argued that censorship creates boundaries that stifle creativity, forcing artists to work within restrictive frameworks. Vaani also highlighted the psychological toll of such negativity, particularly on young people, saying, “It leaves a psychological impact, you are making people doubt before they’ve even understood who they are.” She urged for compassion, stating, “Just because we’ve a difference in opinion doesn’t mean you’re a bad human being… be happy, kind and give love a chance.”
The Abir Gulaal ban was a significant setback, but Vaani’s outspoken stance on censorship and hate reflects her commitment to advocating for a more inclusive and understanding industry.
Vaani’s Career Resilience Amid Rejections
Vaani’s journey in Bollywood has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. After debuting with Shuddh Desi Romance (2013), which earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut, she faced criticism for her roles in Aaha Kalyanam (2014) and Befikre (2016), leading to a three-year hiatus. She bounced back with commercial successes like War (2019) and Raid 2 (2025), where she replaced Ileana D’Cruz as the IRS officer’s wife opposite Ajay Devgn. Despite mixed reviews for her brief role in Raid 2, the film grossed over ₹157 crore, cementing her presence in big-budget projects.
Her performance as a transgender woman in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021) earned critical praise, with Times of India noting her “no-holds-barred” portrayal. Vaani’s choice of diverse roles—from a small-town girl in Shuddh Desi Romance to a Parisian in Befikre—demonstrates her willingness to take risks, even after facing rejections. In a 2023 Filmfare post, she reflected on her journey, saying, “Fear of failing, fear of trolling… is nothing compared to fear of not having the courage to back myself.” She emphasized her persistence, adding, “This girl won’t stop trying,” a mantra that continues to define her approach in 2025.
Mandala Murders and Future Projects
Vaani’s next big venture is Mandala Murders, a psychological thriller series set to premiere on Netflix on July 25, 2025. Directed by Gopi Puthran (Mardaani), the show features Vaani as a no-nonsense investigating officer alongside Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Surveen Chawla, and Shriya Pilgaonkar. She expressed excitement about the project, noting its portrayal of strong, opinionated women. “Being feisty and standing up for oneself could be misinterpreted as anger… It’s about having an opinion and expressing it,” she said, aligning the series’ themes with her views on empowerment.
Vaani is also set to star in Badtameez Gill, a Maddock Films project, showcasing her versatility across genres. Despite the Abir Gulaal setback, her slate of projects reflects her determination to push forward.
Vaani’s Broader Reflections on Failure and Growth
In a 2024 Hindustan Times interview, Vaani discussed coping with failure, admitting she often takes setbacks personally but is learning to detach. “I usually take it all on me… but I’ve tried to detach a little from it. If it’s a failure, I take it in my stride,” she said. She credited her growth to choosing distinctive roles and learning from each experience, even when films like Befikre didn’t receive the love she hoped for. Turning 36 in 2024, Vaani expressed peace with aging and a focus on meaningful work.
Her appearance on Tinder’s Swipe Ride Season 4 in August 2024 further showcased her candid side, as she discussed dating challenges as a celebrity. “People often approach me because of my fame, which can make it difficult to discern genuine intentions,” she shared, revealing her balance of idealism in love and realism in life.
The Bigger Picture: Industry Challenges and Vaani’s Advocacy
Vaani’s experiences highlight broader issues in Bollywood, including colorism, body-shaming, and cancel culture. Her rejection for not being “milky white” reflects the industry’s outdated beauty standards, which disproportionately affect outsiders like Vaani, who lack the safety net of a film family. Her critique of cancel culture, particularly after Abir Gulaal’s ban, underscores the need for artistic freedom and compassion in an increasingly polarized social media landscape.
By sharing these stories, Vaani advocates for change, urging the industry and audiences to move beyond superficial judgments and embrace diverse representations. Her resilience in the face of rejections—whether for her appearance or her projects—serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and fans alike.
Conclusion
In 2025, Vaani Kapoor’s candid revelations about being rejected for her skin tone, facing body-shaming, and navigating cancel culture paint a picture of an artist who refuses to be defined by setbacks. From her early struggles in Bollywood to the Abir Gulaal controversy, she has faced rejection with grace and determination, channeling her energy into projects like Mandala Murders and Badtameez Gill. Her advocacy for self-acceptance and artistic freedom resonates in an industry often marred by harsh judgments. As Vaani continues to carve her path, her story reminds us that courage and authenticity are key to overcoming rejection and thriving in the face of adversity.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from reputable sources as of July 22, 2025. Always support legal platforms like Netflix for Mandala Murders and other content to support artists like Vaani Kapoor.