Masaba’s take on her father struggle over the period for his color complexion.
Renowned Indian fashion designer Masaba Gupta recently opened up about her father, the legendary West Indies cricketer Vivian Richards, and his daughter enduring pain over the racism he faced during his career. In a candid interview, Masaba revealed that even today, when her father discusses his experiences, he is overcome with emotion. “My father grew up in the worst of the times”, Masaba explained. She also added how her father who played professional cricket in a time where the color of his skin came in the way of his ability to move ahead in the world. It’s there, everywhere. It’ll keep being spoken of until we fight for it, and it’s only going to happen if everybody fights for it”.
Adding into this Masaba Gupta says her masseuse advised her to eat rasgullas to have a fairer child: ‘Saawla nahi hona chiye’ where she had opened up about how her father, legendary West Indies cricketer Vivian Richards, has been struggling with the same issue.
Masaba Gupta on racism towards her unborn child
Masaba also confessed that how she gets pregnancy advice to give birth a “lighter” child .where she said “It had happened yesterday with her that just yesterday somebody who came up to her for some pre-natal something telling me, ‘that i must eat a rasgulla everyday so that my kid turns lighter than me. And then, 15 days before that, she was getting another pre-natal massage, because that’s what she do, and she (Masaba’s masseuse) said to me , “Aap na doodh liya karo ( you must consume milk).
Saawla nahi hona chahiye, nahi honi chahiye, whatever (the child should not turn out dusky). And It was said with so much innocence.’ Masaba was surprised and couldn’t believe that such things are happening with a such normal innocence.People still love white skin too much that they can suggest such weird stuff to be taken out as an advice.
Masaba on her father’s struggles:
Masaba stated, “I now understand why my father took such a strong stance against racism for such a long time. Even now, when you ask him, he will respond with a great deal of pride while either having wrath or tears in his eyes. He experienced a difficult upbringing. He played professional cricket at a time when being a certain color hindered one’s opportunities to advance in society. It is there, all around us. It will be discussed until we fight for it and that will only occur if all of us fight for it”.
Masaba’s thought shed light on the deep-seated trauma experienced by many Black athletes who competed in a predominantly white sporting world. Richards, a towering figure in cricket history, faced discrimination and prejudice both on and off the field.
His remarkable achievements, including being named the Wisden Cricketer of the year in 1975 and 1976, often overshadowed the personal struggles he endured. Masaba expressed her admiration for her father’s resilience and strength her father is a very strong man, she also said “He’s been through a lot, but he’s still able to find joy and happiness in life.”
The designer also emphasized the importance of addressing racism in society. She called for greater awareness and understanding of the issue, as well as concerted efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive world. Masaba’s revelations about her father’s experiences highlight the ongoing challenges faced by people of color, even in seemingly progressive environments. Her words serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of racism and the need for continued advocacy and change.
Do follow following links to know more about this matter: https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/masaba-gupta-says-her-father-vivian-richards-still-tears-up-talking-about-his-struggle-with-racism-101726384101516.html#:~:text=Masaba%20on%20her%20father’s%20struggles,with%20a%20lot%20of%20pride.
