Highlights:
Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon has openly shared her experiences with gender bias in the film industry. She explained how female actors are often judged differently from their male co-stars. In a recent conversation with Lily Singh on her YouTube channel, Sanon spoke about the everyday challenges of navigating Bollywood. She revealed that assistant directors are often more intimidated by male stars. Because of this, female actors are frequently taken for granted on film sets.
- YouTube youtu.be
Reflecting on her career path, Sanon noted that she has been a part of engineering college, modeling, and acting. Out of all these fields, Bollywood is where she has faced the greatest hurdles. She recalled that when she began her career, opportunities for women were far more limited than they are today.
Many films back then focused only on male protagonists. Female characters were written simply as romantic interests. While the industry is slowly changing with better roles for women, gender discrimination still exists in many ways.
One major issue Sanon highlighted is the double standard regarding curiosity on set. She is known for asking directors questions about her scenes to help herself grow.
However, when a woman does this, she is often seen as annoying. Sanon said, "When a female actor asks questions, it's like, 'Kitne sawal poochti hai yeh, arey 50 sawal shuru ho jaayenge.' I think there is a conversation like this. Versus, a male star asks questions, he's termed very involved." She experienced this firsthand when she was told not to overanalyze, while a male star asking the same thing was listened to.
Sanon also pointed out everyday examples of unequal treatment, such as male actors getting better cars or rooms. She clarified that material comforts do not bother her. Instead, it is the emotional impact that matters. She said, "Many times it's small things like the kind of car or room the male actor was given and the kind of room I am given. My point is I am not bothered even if I get a smaller room or car, but don't make me feel less."
The public increasingly views Sanon as a strong and grounded individual who stands up for her boundaries. She admits that speaking up in a male-dominated industry is scary, especially when powerful bosses are involved. However, she believes it is important to choose your battles so your inner light does not diminish. By choosing substantive roles like Mimi over empty commercial projects, Sanon continues to prove her dedication to her craft and her self-worth.
