Shabana Azmi Applauds Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt For Reshaping Bollywood Norms

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi, an icon of Indian cinema, is optimistic about the changing landscape of Bollywood, especially regarding the portrayal of women.

A Transformative Journey
Shabana Azmi embarked on her cinematic journey in 1974 with "Ankur," where her talent shone brightly. Over the decades, she's been a part of groundbreaking films like "Nishant" and "Godmother," pushing the boundaries of women's representation on screen.

Pioneering Change
“The scenario has improved vastly. Earlier, it was only left to parallel cinema to give women substantial roles. Today, look at the roles Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone are doing in mainstream films. I believe if change has to happen, it should reflect in mainstream cinema, or you are preaching to the converted,” Shabana Azmi said.

Mainstream Empowerment
Shabana Azmi highlighted the increasing presence of women in positions of authority on film sets, signalling a positive trend. She expressed hope that the rise of female writers would lead to more women-centric content in Bollywood.

Addressing Pay Disparity
Discussing the persistent issue of pay disparity in the industry, Shabana Azmi remained optimistic about achieving pay equality. She stressed that the tide would turn when women-centric films prove profitable at the box office, urging male actors to embrace supporting roles.

She said, “That there are so many women on the set today in positions of authority is a good sign. Since there are so many female writers now, I hope it will lead to more women-centred content.” She added, “It will (change) when women-centric films start making money at the box office. Heroes need to be ready to play second fiddle like women did all these years”.

Recognition and Celebration
Shabana Azmi's illustrious career will be celebrated with a prestigious honour. She is set to receive the City of London Corporation's Freedom of the City of London Award for her contributions to Indian cinema and her advocacy for women's rights.

Looking Ahead
As Shabana Azmi marks five decades in the industry, her journey serves as both inspiration and reflection. Her optimism and advocacy pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable Bollywood, where women's voices resonate powerfully on and off-screen.

Shabana Azmi's perspective offers insight into the evolving dynamics of Bollywood, where women are not only protagonists on screen but also agents of change behind the scenes. As the industry continues to evolve, her words serve as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.