Indian designer Masaba Gupta, daughter of actress Neena Gupta and cricket legend Vivian Richards, posted a letter to trolls who were calling her names, including “illegitimate West Indian” on social media.
The attack began after Gupta, an acclaimed fashion designer, posted her support of the ban on firecrackers during Diwali.
“Recently, I re-tweeted in support of the firecracker ban by the Supreme Court and like every other issue in this country, big or small... The trolling and bashing began,” she posted. “By calling me names like [expletive] child’ or ‘illegitimate West Indian’ only makes my chest swell with pride. I’m the illegitimate product of two of the most legitimate personalities you’ll find and I’ve made the best life, both personally and professionally... Out of which I am proud of.”
The designer, known for her colourful and quirky prints, added that she is “immune” to this as she has been called these names since she was 10.
“My legitimacy comes from the work I do and what my contribution to society has been. And you can try but you will not be able to raise a single finger on either of the two,” she added.
Masaba also said she is proud of her roots.
“So, please if you must... go ahead and continue calling me these names if it makes you feel glorious. But know this... I am a proud Indo-Caribbean girl who doesn’t know how to shrink and crumble in shame of something you or your society cannot handle. It’s just in my ‘illegitimate’ genes,” she said.
