Unlike in the movies, actresses on television have often played strong characters. Be it about doing leading roles or the amount of money they take home, women do get more importance on TV. So, this woman’s day, we talk to three strong actresses to know the issues that women face in the TV industry and just how can their condition improve given that they play such an important role in the industry…

Vahbiz Dorabjee

I think women oriented issues in television are mostly about hygiene and bathrooms. Unless you are the main lead, you don’t get your own room, which is really demeaning and disheartening. How do you control going to the bathroom all day? Even the food and snacks that are served are unhygienic and unhealthy. On a bigger scale, I believe that we women are not behind at all. It is an equal society today, especially in an urban society like Mumbai. I think there is a lot of equality and women are doing really well in all walks of like. Even the men are quite supportive.  It is definitely better in today’s times where we are given our dues. Previously, it was a male-dominated industry. But today, we have actresses like Kangana, Deepika, Priyanka and others who are holding their identity in the industry. We have actresses like Kareena, who is seen everywhere in spite of being pregnant. So, things have changed now. Times are changing. In real life, I know that women are strong. You don’t tell a woman that she’s being a boy if she tries to be strong. There is nothing wrong in being strong. What I would really like is to do a really empowering role on screen. I did Saraswatichandra, where I played a very dynamic politician who used to stand for her bhabhi (Jennifer Winget). Let’s hope I get to do a similar, strong character soon!

Ridhi Dogra

I think there in real life, women are doing really important things. They are definitely doing more than what is being shown on television. I think television really needs to up its game as many things are changing in the real world. Many things are being achieved, and there are a lot of firsts for women. Of course, there is oppression and regression in major part of our country and in other countries as well. If you take India, then you have to consider the condition of women in the rural regions. We have seen only the metros in our country, which is the developed part and we think that women are making progress. But I am aware of what is happening in small towns and villages. There are people there who talk bad about you even if you wear a sleeveless dress. I think it is not television’s duty but the education that should empower the people and make women want to move ahead in life. Stories do not make a part of a society, be it on TV or films. They are just sources of entertainment, even if it might influence the society. But yes, there is some kind of motivation or encouragement which you get by reading books, or attending a class or watching TV or films which have something good to say. So, it is the women’s duty to change the way they are being taken in by the society. They have to break the norms, break the cycle of oppression that is happening. And that can only happen by education and once you are aware of just who you are. When it comes to the entertainment industry, I don’t think actresses get their dues. Acting is not a child’s play. It is about collaboration and teamwork. And that can only happen if everyone is putting in their hundred percent. I think the whole idea of the industry of taking in new faces just because it is cheap is wrong. I think they should have faith in actors that have been around. There are so many honest actors who are investing their time and efforts in this profession, so it is the responsibility of the makers and the creative team to think about these actors. They should have a detailed discussion with their team about what they are planning. Only then the dues of these honest actors will be paid. You should not only think about the TRPs and get in new faces just because they are coming in cheap. It is really sad. For me personally, it is not difficult to play empowering roles on screen. I have been like that forever. I have stood up for myself, for any wrong that has happened to me. I think this is why these roles come easily to me. I am very proud to be a woman who stands up for herself on camera and off camera, to have a brain to think about her. There are times when I fall, I will be honest. But again, there are no misconceptions about me that I can stand up for myself every time and I am not wrong.

 

Aishwarya Sakhuja

I have not come across any issues. There is an equal amount of respect to be shown to everyone. Having said that, I think the only thing that upsets me is the misconception of the hair and makeup industry, where the gender roles are divided and only women can do makeup and not men. I think some amends have been made for that, so that’s good enough. Actresses get to play empowering roles, but not necessarily powerful. The societies that are portrayed in television are again male dominated. It has nothing to do with the strata of society. There are tremendous examples of women who have achieved so much where they have come from. So, if you believe you can do it, the genders and the strata of the society don’t count. You need to create your own opportunities. It is not served to you on a platter; it comes your way and you need to make the most of it. I am very happy with the way I am treated, so I don’t think actors have problems with the dues. For me personally, it is not very difficult to portray role where a woman is shown as being empowered, because I believe I am empowered myself. I have been taught to accept and respect the way I am. So yes, I believe in being a powerful woman.