The Indian film industry has long been a mirror reflecting societal norms, often perpetuating gender biases. Despite progress, significant challenges persist, particularly concerning pay parity and the representation of women both on and off-screen.
Moving Beyond Gender Labels
Renowned filmmaker Shonali Bose, known for “Margarita With a Straw” and “The Sky is Pink,” emphasizes the need to transcend gender-based categorizations in the industry. She feels frustrated when people label her a “female filmmaker” and asserts that one’s work should define them, not their gender. Bose urges people to see women as equally capable without expecting them to represent their gender continually.
Producer Rangita Pritish Nandy, creator of web series like “Four More Shots Please!” and “Ziddi Girls,” echoes this sentiment. She calls for an evaluation based solely on skill, urging the industry to look beyond gender and focus on individual capabilities.
Evolving On-Screen Representation
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, with a career spanning five decades, acknowledges the positive shift in portraying women in cinema. Historically, female characters were often limited to roles that glamourized or marginalized them. Azmi notes that contemporary narratives are evolving, offering more substantial and diverse roles that reflect women’s multifaceted nature.
South Indian superstar Jyotika, who recently collaborated with Azmi in the web series “Dabba Cartel,” observes that women are making significant strides in traditionally male-dominated films. She highlights the growing prominence of female-centric stories across various languages, indicating a positive trend towards inclusivity and representation.
Addressing Pay Disparity
Despite advancements in representation, pay parity remains a pressing concern. Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit emphasizes that women must continually prove their worth to achieve equal pay. She describes the journey toward parity as incremental, requiring persistent efforts to push boundaries.
Actress Madhoo reflects on the 1990s, noting that issues like safety and pay parity were seldom discussed. She praises the current generation for initiating conversations and challenging longstanding norms, empowering even the older generation to demand equitable treatment.
Producer Guneet Monga, a two-time Oscar winner, highlights the stark pay gap in the industry. She points out that women often need to work significantly harder to achieve recognition equivalent to their male counterparts. Monga calls for male actors to engage in discussions about pay disparity, emphasizing that the responsibility for change should not rest solely on women.
Actress Dia Mirza concurs, stating that while progress has been made, considerable work remains to achieve true pay parity. She believes that women in storytelling roles have the power to reshape societal perceptions and drive meaningful action toward equality.
Challenging Objectification
Despite progress, the sexualization and objectification of women on screen persist. Mirza acknowledges the efforts to write more authentic female characters but emphasizes that eliminating deep-seated biases remains a long journey.
The Path Forward
Filmmaker Sudhanshu Saria, known for works like “Ulajh” and “Sanaa,” acknowledges the evolution in on-screen representation but stresses the need for continued efforts. He advocates for authentic portrayals of women’s experiences, moving beyond clichéd behaviors and recognizing the diverse roles women can embody.
Actor-producer Harman Baweja, who produced the critically acclaimed film “Mrs” starring Sanya Malhotra, acknowledges progress in representing women but emphasizes that societal mindsets must evolve alongside cinematic portrayals. He underscores the importance of changing perceptions to achieve genuine equality.
Bengali cinema star Paoli Dam credits the rise of streaming platforms for altering narratives around women. She observes that over-the-top (OTT) platforms have allowed for more experimental content, portraying women as unapologetic and assertive, challenging traditional norms.
While the Indian film industry has made notable strides in addressing gender biases, significant challenges remain. Achieving true equality requires a collective effort to move beyond gender labels, ensure fair compensation, and portray women in all their complexity. By continuing to challenge entrenched norms and advocating for systemic change, the industry can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
