Actors Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar open up about the systemic disparity in Bollywood, arguing that female-led films face harsher scrutiny and fewer second chances compared to their male counterparts.
- Female-led films are subjected to significantly higher scrutiny following box office underperformance.
- Male actors can return to lead roles after decade-long breaks, whereas women often have to restart their careers from scratch.
- Saiyami Kher argues that despite high-budget attempts like 'Alpha', women must continuously prove their bankability.
While female-led narratives are increasingly appearing in Bollywood, actress Saiyami Kher believes the industry is far from achieving true equity. In an exclusive conversation, Saiyami, who is gearing up for the release of her film 'Haiwaan', shed light on the disproportionate pressure placed on women to maintain a perfect track record at the box office.
Kher specifically referenced the high-profile project 'Alpha', starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari. She noted that despite the film's scale and the excitement surrounding its premise as an all-female spy thriller, the narrative shifts quickly when such films fail to generate massive profits. According to her, while male-led flops are often dismissed as anomalies, female-led failures are used to justify why such films shouldn't be made in the first place.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the 'burden of proof' remains skewed in the Indian film industry. The industry operates on a legacy of male stardom where a 'hit' is a bonus, but for women, a 'hit' is a prerequisite for their next lead role. This creates a cycle where female actors are risk-averse, and producers are hesitant to experiment with complex female protagonists.
"For a man, a flop is a stumble; for a woman, it is often treated as a verdict on her entire capability as a lead."
Adding to this discourse, Shriya Pilgaonkar pointed out the stark difference in how sabbaticals are perceived. She mentioned that a male actor can take a seven- to ten-year break and still be welcomed back as a leading man. Conversely, a woman returning from a similar break is often forced to start over, fighting for roles that are significantly diminished in stature.
The conversation also touched upon the scarcity of well-written scripts for women. Saiyami lauded the careers of Tabu, Shabana Azmi, and Shefali Shah, stating that they carved their own paths through sheer talent. She expressed a fervent wish for more scripts that offer women the same depth and variety typically reserved for male protagonists.
Despite the challenges, Kher remained optimistic about the growth of women in technical roles. She noted that the rise of female directors, writers, and cinematographers (DOPs) is a positive sign that the industry is slowly evolving beyond just the face on the screen.
| Factor | Male Actors | Female Actors |
|---|---|---|
| Box Office Failure | Given multiple second chances | Faced with harsh scrutiny |
| Career Sabbatical | Return as leading man | Often forced to restart from zero |
| Script Availability | Abundant and diverse | Limited and often stereotypical |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why did Saiyami Kher mention the movie 'Alpha'?
She used 'Alpha' to illustrate that even high-budget, exciting female-led projects are judged more harshly if they don't make money, leading to a regression in how the industry views women's bankability.
Question 2: What is the movie 'Haiwaan' about?
'Haiwaan' is a remake of the movie 'Oppam', directed by Priyadarshan and starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. It is scheduled for release on September 11.
