The irony of empowered women imagery in Hindi Cinema

Yesterday, I randomly happened to tune in to a show called PRIME GUPSHUP on a much reputed TV channel. The show is about talking to Film Directors in a informal style by a senior journalist.

The guest in this particular episode was the frank and vocal Farah Khan. I always move into contemplation when I hear a female director’s interview. Sometimes the content can be so casual and yet so reflective of cinema practices in India.

In Farah’s case, there were two bits I am still thinking about. One she said she never faced a gender bias in her work. The reason she quoted was that if you knew your job, the others just follow the gender doesn’t matter.

She is correct on some counts that in Mumbai or the erstwhile Bombay film industry, knowledge about your craft is the power you exercise and colleagues respect homework and skill on your craft. In terms of the acceptance of a female director, I am not so sure because if it was so easy, one would have ended up seeing many more female directors in yesteryears than today. We must not forget that a lot of them either are from film families or Married to film families……so That’s Debate No 1 as ARNAB puts it

The second remark was more volcanic. She commented on her representation of women and how in her films the actress is not just an actress waiting for a hero but also doping her job. In this specific case she mentioned MAIN HOON NA and Sushmita as a Teacher.

This is what got me really thoughtful. I was wondering which subject was Sushmita in charge of because I didn’t hear her speaking anything which displayed her teaching skills. I did though see her curves et all even within the drape. I was also thinking on Kiron Khers profession or was she only NASEERS wife. And the lovely AMRITA , I never heard of any mention of her subjects , her academic interests or her results.

The particular film being mentioned had all shades of the patriarchal view on women though with a revised modernistic approach. It is a pure rehash of the old norm of glamour girls and oomph

something that as a female cinema academician , I sincerely mind from the bottom of my gut.

Then why is her reference point so skewed. Is that because nobody will bell eh cat. Or is it that she genuinely believes this is what empowerment is, having greta bodies and enticing students in class. How was Sushmita used both as an actress and as that character in the case that the hero was set to achieve….i thought she was only arm candy …and that too ina  female directors film.

Compare it to an ENGLISH VINGLISH BY Gauri Shinde Or A Zindgai Na Milegei Dobaara of a ZOYA Akhtar, one would clearly get different results.

Anyways, I am still thinking and I am still not a ‘SOMEONE’ who will be interviewed on that show at least for some years….so I shall leave you with Debate No 2 . Are there enough women in Cinema who reflect skill on their own profession…think about it !