Renowned actress Ratna Pathak Shah has recently spoken out about the portrayal of women in Indian cinema, particularly in the works of veteran filmmakers such as Guru Dutt and Bimal Roy. In a candid interview, Shah expressed her discomfort with the gender dynamics depicted in their films, labeling them as “offensive.”
She criticized the simplistic portrayal of characters, noting the lack of depth and nuance in depicting human relationships, especially concerning gender roles. Shah specifically pointed to the recurring theme of women being subservient to men in Guru Dutt and Bimal Roy’s films, highlighting the outdated and offensive nature of such portrayals.
Shah referenced iconic songs like ‘Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha Pyaar Ke Kaabil Mujhe’, emphasizing how they perpetuate traditional gender norms by relegating women to roles of adoration and sacrifice.
Moreover, Shah lamented the perpetuation of stereotypes in Bollywood, particularly the industry’s reliance on the sexualization of women, which she believes has worsened over the years. She expressed disappointment in the lack of exploration of the complexities of human relationships, especially those involving women, in Indian cinema.
Sharing her personal experiences of facing misogyny in the industry, Shah recalled instances during the promotions of her film ‘Dhak Dhak’ where there was little interest shown upon learning that the film’s heroes were women. This underscores the prevalent gender bias and the lack of recognition for female-led narratives in Indian cinema.
Overall, Ratna Pathak Shah’s remarks highlight the need for more nuanced and inclusive storytelling in Indian cinema, challenging traditional gender stereotypes and advocating for a more authentic representation of women on screen.
