South Indian actress Sruthi Hariharan brought vibrant energy and insightful perspectives to the Bangalore Times office as she took on the role of celebrity guest editor, with a specific focus on ‘Women in Cinema.’ During her visit, the actress delved into the evolution of female characters in Kannada cinema and discussed the ongoing challenges faced by women in the industry.
“Women have broken the shackles and are being portrayed as full-fledged characters now – but we still have a long, long way to go,” expressed Hariharan, who is poised to join the ranks of women directors in the film industry later this year.
Addressing the underrepresentation of female friendships on screen, the actress highlighted the prevalence of women being pitted against each other in pursuit of the same man, emphasizing the need for more nuanced depictions.
In terms of playing antagonistic roles, Hariharan shared her desire to explore the depths of her acting abilities. She expressed discontent with the common portrayal of female antagonists as vicious, mean, and manipulative, calling for a fresh and authentic perspective in their representation.
The actress also acknowledged the golden age for actors, fueled by the rise of OTT platforms and a content boom. While praising the diverse and well-written female characters in OTT content, she noted the potential downside of an abundance of content, possibly leading to a loss of exclusivity in the film-watching experience.
On the personal front, Hariharan commented on the significant responsibility of raising a child in today’s society, emphasizing the challenges and rewards associated with parenting.
Expressing her views on cinema’s role in society, the actress called for an end to the glorification of abuse and misogyny in films, particularly disapproving of songs that objectify women. She stressed the importance of striking a balance between fluff roles and strong female characters.
Discussing the impact of the #MeToo movement, Hariharan shared her involvement in addressing grievances and supporting those who have faced abuse in the industry. She applauded the movement for giving women in cinema a voice and raising awareness about the challenges they may encounter.
Highlighting the importance of authenticity in writing female characters, Hariharan asserted that women writers tend to portray women more honestly than their male counterparts. She emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of women’s perspectives when crafting their stories.
Closing her interview, Hariharan addressed the persistent issue of pay disparity between male and female actors, acknowledging that while challenges persist, female actors now have more bargaining power, possibly influenced by the impact of social media. She recognized the business aspect of cinema but stressed the importance of justifying pay based on audience draw.
