Women’s stories in their own words is a key priority

A FEW days before the release of last year’s Bollywood hit Dangal (Wrestling Bout), which is based on the true story of two medal-winning Indian female wrestlers, the film-makers released a promotional music video. In it, the two actresses are seen mostly in silhouette while Aamir Khan – who plays the father’s character – is seen on a throne, atop a chariot, sermonising all around him in verse.

This, unfortunately, is an all-too-accurate representation of the film – and encapsulates a problematic trend in mainstream Bollywood: It produces films that take on gender inequality, but frustratingly few do so in women’s voices, and their attempts at feminism fall short.

The narrative around Dangal leading up to the film’s release revolved around female empowerment. Its real-life subjects, the sisters Geeta and Babita Phogat, are an inspiration for Indian families. Geeta qualified for the 2012 London Olympics, the first Indian female wrestler to do so.

The governments of six Indian states exempted the film’s tickets from taxation and endorsed it as part of their campaign to protect girls.

However, this does not atone for a disturbing element in the film: its gender politics. It is true Geeta and Babita’s father was instrumental in their success, but the film suggests he was the sole reason for it. Bollywood should use its influence to make sure viewers are hearing women’s stories in women’s words. – Washington Post