Films still hero-centric, says Juhi Chawla
The actor says that a lot has changed for women in showbiz, but some aspects continue to remain the same
Actor Juhi Chawla feels that there is a lot of pressure on the girls onscreen today, and wonders if wearing shorter dresses and aiming for a “size-zero” frame is really an “expression of freedom”. The actor says a lot has changed for women in showbiz, but some aspects continue to remain the same.
She says that she doesn’t understand the pressure on women to “prove their equality”. “I am not exactly sure what’s going on about any debate on gender, equality and stuff in the world right now. Some things have changed for the better and some... I am not sure [about]. 15 years ago there used to be one or two women on the sets of a film with 100 men. Today, there would be, maybe, 35 women and 65 men in a film unit, which is great,” said Juhi.
“So, yes, the opportunity to go out and be working and the freedom has increased for women. But, on the other hand, films are still herocentric... In a majority of the films, the hero is the hero,” she added.
The actor feels that the pressure [on other actors] is increasing. “I feel that we are putting a lot of pressure on the girls on-screen. They are wearing tinier clothes, they are becoming size-zero, they have to look very cool and comfortable with live-in relationships .... Why is there so much pressure on women? Is this an expression of freedom? Is it, truly?” she questioned. “I don’t even see why it is [even] a question that women should prove their equality. I feel they were any way superior. I mean, women are one half of the society and are responsible for creating the other half. So, why do they have to prove anything?” she added. Talking about the kind of work she wants to do, Juhi said: “As long as I can, I will be acting — whether on-screen or by making an appearance on television. I will continue it — may be a little less than before. I am working in a film which will go on the floors in January and again it is a very interesting script. You will hear more details from the production house which at some point will make its announcement.”