fashion-and-trends

Updated: Jul 27, 2018 17:04 IST

The second day of India Couture Week 2018, presented by Hindustan Times and Sunil Sethi Design Alliance, marked a big day in Renee Kujur’s life. The gorgeous model from Chattisgarh was formally introduced to the world at a special event on Thursday. The 30-year-old is known for being an uncanny doppelganger of RnB star Rihanna.

Also read: Rihanna-lookalike Renee Kujur on her experience as dark-skinned model in 30s

Renee was introduced by famous supermodel, Sonalika Sahay at the event. Sonalika revealed Renee’s story to the world and how she was always bullied as a child for her dark skin.

Once Renee Kujur changed her Instagram handle to ‘badgirlrenee’ and cashed in on her resemblance with Rihanna, she started getting more projects and appreciation. ( Jasjeet Plaha/HT Photo )

“Renee participated as a fairy in a fancy dress competition as a child and somebody told her ‘angels are never dark’,” Sonalika said and added that those comments hurt Renee and she decided to prove them wrong. “Her journey is something all of us can learn something from,” Sonalika said, as she invited Renee on stage.

Kujur has admitted, in the past, that her dark skin was a big hurdle until she decided to use it in her favour. Once she changed her Instagram handle to ‘badgirlrenee’ and cashed in on her resemblance with Rihanna, she started getting more projects and appreciation. Apart from her dark skin, she has also spoken about the bias she faced when people learned that she was in her 30s.

Renee, visibly moved by her words and the love she got from the audience, fought back her tears to say a few words. She talked about how her dark complexion, her caste and her gender were always seen as challenges in realising her dreams. “I am a tribal girl. It’s beyond expectations that a girl...no girl can think this way... we can only do government jobs and nothing else,” she said.

Renee Kujur met her parents on stage at India Couture Week 2018 after six years. ( Jasjeet Plaha/HT Photo )

However, Sunil Sethi had a big, heartwarming surprise up his sleeve that broke her dam of tears. Sunil invited Renee’s parents to the stage, whom she hadn’t met in six years. Renee couldn’t hold back her tears any longer and broke down as she hugged her parents. She thanked them for the life they had given her. “They have brought me up with great affection and in return I simply want to gift them a home,” she said.

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