London, Sept 28: Actress Freida Pinto, has found herself in the middle of another skin lightening scandal, based a new ad photo from L'Oreal that shows the Indian beauty looking lighter-skinned than usual.

The Slumdog Millionaire star, who was signed as the face of L'Oreal Paris in 2009, first appeared with a paler complexion in the official image released by L'Oreal when she was signed in 2009.

However it was then confirmed that the shot was provided by Pinto's management - and not by the skincare brand.

L'Oreal 's campaign for 'Colours Take Flight' make-up, features a close-up of the gorgeous star, showing off their range of exotic coloured eye shadows.

But the image, which is possibly a lighting effect or a Photoshop blunder, has attracted criticism from online publications and have accused L'Oreal of 'lightening' Freida's skin.

The company, however, has denied any retouching.

"Freida Pinto has been a spokesperson for the L'Oreal Paris brand since 2009," the Daily Mail quoted a L'Oreal spokesperson as saying.

'We highly value our relationship with Ms.Pinto.

'It is categorically untrue that L'Oreal Paris altered Ms. Pinto's features or skin-tone in the campaign for Project Runway "Colors Take Flight" limited-edition collection," he added. (ANI)