Acting fraternity share their views of gender equality, especially in the showbiz!

Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow – this is the theme of the year and this #WomensDay, members of the acting fraternity share their views of gender equality, especially in the showbiz. Celebrities talk about gender equality this Women’s Day.

Vijayendra Kumeria : The industry has grown and now both genders are getting their due share. However, there is still a lot more that is to be done. We need to focus on providing equal opportunities. While in TV, this is there, this needs to be done in films and other platforms as well. Besides this, it is important to celebrate Women’s Day all year round by respecting them.

Pragati Mehra : Gender equality ain’t something that’s offered on a platter, it’s something one has to fight for still. And that’s for the sheer simple reason that society is such. A new born child takes the father’s family name.. forms still ask for father’s/husband’s name…women have maiden and married name, women have symbols of being married- bangles/mangalsutra/ toe rings. Yes, some are choosing to do away with these but some happily accept them in the name of tradition. Here we don’t demand ‘uniform civil/societal norm ‘ for all genders. Gender inequality exists in the industry. A male superstar remains a star till his 60s but his counterpart ain’t one once she is married, forget being in 60s and is considered a bona fide super star.

Will this change? Maybe.

Will we need to change this? definitely.

When can we expect that? your guess is as good as mine.

Having said that either we do away with these special days or International Women’s day should only be about women!

Delnaaz Irani : I think it is high time that we stop just talking about gender equality, but acting on it as well. As far as the industry is concerned, there is more women-oriented cinema that is being made, but a heroine still comes with a shelf life. When she is in her prime, she gets a lot of work opportunities, but with a lifestyle change like marriage or a child or with age, these opportunities gradually start to ebb away. While this might happen with a man as well, but it’s very common with female actors and this mentality needs to change. Why must a leading actress accept a supporting role after a certain age, while a male actor of the same age, continues to bag the leading part?

Hemal Dev : I have always believed in the importance of gender equality because I grew up in a household where it was two of us, me and my sister and it was a female dominated family which really worked out well in favor of making me super confident and unaware of how gender inequality affects a normal regular women’s life. It was only after i stepped out of the house i.e when i moved out to study out of my hometown that gender inequality is a thing. I was very protected from it until. So my core values are very unaffected by it. Which is why I feel it doesn’t really bother me so much because I make sure I make a mark or I take a stand against it . If we talk about our industry it does hold true in the industry and we are hearing a lot of women talk about it. Let it be a payroll, gender inequality in terms of payroll in our industry. But definitely it’s changing with a lot of women making a difference. We have Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut talking on the same topics where Tapsee Pannu is another example. So we have people talking about timmend should be based on credibility and credit more than what gender you belong to because that is totally unfair. So I definitely see a huge change because women are talking about it and taking a stand and it’s exactly the time I want to be a part of the industry because it’s the revolution that’s happening and I feel proud to be a part of it.

Harjinder Singh : As a result of media movements, many have looked to women’s representation and visibility as vital to gender equality in the industry. Everyone can do anything now, you cannot compare work capabilities on a gender basis. Even now we have a women’s arm force also. It is now more common but a lot of people are still not aware of it. Both men’s and women’s commitments have become more common, and this has a major impact on women’s decisions to take career breaks and afterwards return to the industry or in any profession. I respect every woman who’s out, they’re achieving their dreams. One day of recognition is not enough to acknowledge their presence in the world. Every day should be recognised as International Women’s Day.

Aditya Deshmukh : I’m highly inspired by the women around me. It turns out that women are not only dominating the entertainment industry, but also the corporate sector. By managing their personal and professional lives, some actresses turn entrepreneurs and show us how it’s done successfully. The need of the hour is to respect all women and not try to tear them down. If we all vow to stand up and oppose injustice, the world will become a more equitable place, free of gender stereotypes. Women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change-makers. Women empowerment has resulted in a number of talented female writers and directors in our industry. Women’s contributions are increasing in every area.

Ranaksh Rana : I resonate with the theme deeply as any small step taken today becomes a huge leap for tomorrow. While there is still a long way to go in different aspects, I’m happy that the conversation is active in terms of gender equality. Good talent and craft are appreciated and pay is decided on potential. Gender ideally should not even come into the conversation. If you see this industry, we have many actresses who may be more recognised than their male counterparts- just because their craft is better. In recent times, you will notice more lead characters have been female characters and played brilliantly by the actresses. I think it’s the craft and hard work that matter in the right spirit. Ultimately, it’s about respect for individuals. If you talk about gender equality, it’s the third gender also that’s getting work in the industry. All I’m saying is, Rome was not built in a day. And I’m hopeful that if every individual does their part of being aware and spreading awareness, we can have a sustainable bright future. I wish all my sisters, friends and my mother a Happy International Women’s Day and a message for everyone- it is just a day to remind ourselves that everyday is women’s day, not just one day.

Hansa Singh : Women, the base of civilization. Every day is women’s day. We all know but somehow are ginger to accept it. Still so many women have reached the heights as their male counterparts yet the journey for women isn’t easy. A woman is made to prove her mettle again and again. Gender equality needs to happen. Changes are happening albeit slowly. But I am as hopeful as ever to see it happening soon.

“Let me be a woman … woman woman woman”.

Mitu : No doubt things are moving towards gender equality. From the time that we went to school to now, things that were done a lot by men are now being normalised for women too. One big one is women’s cricket for example. When we were growing up(and I used to play cricket till my teen years) it was seen as a man’s game but now women’s cricket is a celebrated success. Things like women driving and working have increased. Also, there are professions that were seen as men’s jobs and female jobs but that line is being blurred now. Like chefs and taxi/auto drivers as two examples. In our industry too, 20 years ago creatives were handled by women and production by men. But over the years that has also reversed. You do see men being creatives and women venturing into direction and production. But we still have a long way to go. What we need to change is the deep-rooted patriarchy that is embedded in our social fabric.