On the eve of International Women’s Day, Bollywood actresses Neena Gupta and Madhuri Dixit shared their thoughts on the changing landscape of Indian content with regards to female artists and how this change could bring about a more inclusive space. Commenting on the occasion, Neena Gupta opined that the evolution of entertainment space has been in perfect sync with the changing society, “The entertainment space has evolved, alongside our evolution as a society. The roles that were offered to me became central to the story as women became breadwinners, led businesses and teams, and became central figures in every aspect of life.
Women’s roles in today’s scripts are not dependent on a man, but rather stand on their own.”Speaking on the sidelines of streaming platform Netflix’s women’s day programme ‘Stree-ming’, she further said, “I love that every day I get to see more stories that reflect the lives of incredible women – portraying all their layers, shades, and flaws. It’s safe to say there will be no turning back. We are not only a part of the storey, but the storey itself.”
Furthermore, she stated that a lot of change in Indian content has come from women who hold the fort behind the camera in order to craft compelling narratives “More female writers, directors, and producers have also played a significant role in driving this change. Behind the camera, inclusivity is important not only for amplifying voices that aren’t always heard but also for creating opportunities for stories that might not have been told otherwise.
“In the last few decades, Indian content has undergone a sea change, with women no longer being hired in films or audio-visual content based solely on their attractive faces. Instead, it is their ability to deliver powerful performances that will pave the way for a more just society, one frame at a time.
Madhuri Dixit expressed her thoughts on the matter, saying, “There has been a tremendous amount of evolution. Women are more than just pretty faces or vengeful angels. Today, women are viewed as whole people, playing different characters from various professions – whether it’s a mathematician, a sportswoman, or a housewife with unfulfilled aspirations, women are taking on different roles every day, and it’s fascinating to see how the industry is changing.”
