Vitili-glowing - reads the Instagram bio of Anmol Arora, a budding actor and spoken word artist. Her journey with vitiligo is not a new revelation but a truth that she has openly shared and embraced, whether through her social media platforms or on stage.
For those of you who don’t know, vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks its own skin cells, called melanocytes, and causes white patches to appear on the skin. While it changes skin's appearance, it isn't harmful or medically dangerous. But despite the harmless nature of the condition, vitiligo often carries a lot of social and emotional burden due to widespread misconceptions and stigma. People with vitiligo often have to face discrimination, isolation, and unwanted attention, which can impact their mental well-being and self-esteem.
But some, like Anmol, have learnt to overcome it all and live an unperturbed life. When I first spoke to her, what stood out the most was the confidence in her voice - a fierceness rooted in self-acceptance and a determination to redefine beauty on her own terms. “I developed this mentality that if I’m going to be seen as different, I’ll strive to be extraordinary,” she said, with a boldness that is rare to witness in today’s time.
View this post on Instagram
Growing Up With Vitiligo
Anmol was just six years old when a white spot appeared on her eyelid. It prompted her family to consult various doctors. With little awareness about vitiligo at the time, they resorted to different treatments, restrictions, and remedies, some as unconventional as Ayurvedic concoctions and even cow urine.
"My journey began with those early spots, and as we sought treatments, it became a part of life. The doctors back then said it might spread and then start decreasing, but it’s still a condition that’s not fully understood… I am from Delhi, and I believe we consulted every dermatologist in the city. We tried all kinds of treatments, but nothing worked," she recounted.
Sharing her expertise with us, Dr Shireen Furtado, Senior Consultant - Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, says, "While current medical research has not established a definitive cure for vitiligo, various treatment options are available that aim to improve the appearance of the skin and restore pigmentation. These treatments may include topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and depigmentation therapies, among others, which can help in managing the symptoms and, in some cases, may lead to repigmentation of the affected areas."
However, it is important that people with vitiligo consult with a healthcare professional to explore the most suitable options tailored to their specific condition and needs, she emphasised.
As a child, Anmol wasn’t equipped to fully grasp what was happening with her. She looked back at her school years and said, “I didn’t have many friends in my early childhood. I wasn’t bullied, but I always felt a bit isolated.” However, what stayed with her was how she loved being on stage, but her school never allowed her because they wanted “good-looking” students to perform.
“That stuck with me,” she shared, adding, “There were also a lot of restrictions about what I could eat—certain foods were off-limits, like anything sour. I even had to drink things like Ayurvedic concoctions and cow urine, which, as a child, felt like punishment.”
Despite all the challenges, Anmol found strength in education and channelled her focus into academics, building a foundation of confidence that would later empower her to own her identity.
View this post on Instagram
Self Acceptance And Confidence Through Education
The journey to self-acceptance and self-love is a challenging one. A lot needs to be learnt, unlearnt, and redefined. In a world fixated on appearances, living with vitiligo can lead to self-consciousness, often leading some to retreat from social life. But Anmol has turned her journey into a story of resilience.
Instead of dwelling on insecurities, Anmol focused on personal growth, excelling in her studies, learning guitar, and diving into literature. “I pushed myself to be the best I could be academically, and that built my confidence,” she said.
But self-love, she admitted, didn’t come easily. “Not at all! It’s a constant process. Self-love isn’t about waking up one day and feeling great about yourself. It’s about facing insecurities, battling stereotypes, and accepting that this is who I am,” Anmol explained. For her, the first step was self-acceptance. “I couldn’t change my looks, so I had to focus on what I could control—my mind, my abilities. Knowledge helped me find confidence and a sense of self-worth.”
Education and achievement became Anmol’s pillars of strength. “When I realised I had more to offer than just my looks, it made me stronger. I excelled in my studies, won trophies, and found my voice. That’s what led me to where I am now,” she reflected.
Breaking Stereotypes, One Role At A Time
Vitiligo, while harmless, is often surrounded by misconceptions that can lead to misunderstanding and stigma.
According to Dr Furtado, one prevalent myth is that vitiligo is contagious, which is not true; it is an autoimmune condition that results in the loss of skin pigment. Another common misconception is that it only affects individuals with darker skin, while in reality, it can occur in people of all skin tones. Additionally, some believe that vitiligo is solely a cosmetic issue, overlooking the psychological impact it can have on those affected.
“To address these misconceptions, it is essential to promote awareness and education about the condition, emphasising that it is not infectious and can affect anyone, regardless of their skin type,” she highlighted.
As a person with vitiligo, Anmol is doing her bit. Today, she uses her voice and talent to challenge stereotypes and raise awareness about vitiligo. Her journey into acting and spoken word artistry began as an outlet for self-expression, but it quickly evolved into a platform for advocacy.
This determination led her to take the stage—both in life and on-screen—to share her story, educate others, and shatter misconceptions. Her debut role in a web series called Gaanth Chapter 1: Jamnaa Paar has been a significant career milestone, though she remains aware of the stereotypes still associated with vitiligo. “While I am extremely grateful for the role in the web series, vitiligo has still been shown in bad lighting. It's alright; I am not complaining. But change will happen slowly, and this is the first step,” she said, embracing progress while advocating for a broader shift in perspective.
View this post on Instagram
Signing off, Anmol encourages everyone to be kind to themselves and to others. “My hope is to continue raising awareness for vitiligo while pursuing my passions in acting and spoken word,” she said, adding, “I want to keep glowing, as my [Instagram] bio says.”