Why Being A Bollywood Actress Probably Stinks | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why Being A Bollywood Actress Probably Stinks

The unfortunate silence Indian actresses must adopt.

127
Why Being A Bollywood Actress Probably Stinks
Youtube

I have learned to expect very little from my favorite Indian actresses. When one of them posts about being a #feminist or actively participates in campaigns for women’s rights I smile and appreciate the work they’re doing, but in reality, it’s all very surface level. You SHOULD be a feminist and you SHOULD be using your fame to propel causes that help fellow females who are deprived of the rights they deserve. However, actresses seem to go mum, lose the powerful voice they once had about women’s rights when a fellow actor says or does something controversial. Numerous Bollywood fans find themselves hurt and angry that their favorites don't say anything against their fellow industry members. They don’t even condemn the words spoken. How can they, though? When Bollywood is still an industry run by men, putting three men with the same last name on a pedestal.

A prime example is seen through the Salman Khan fiasco. While describing his time on the sets of Sultan, Salman stated, "When I used to walk out of the ring, after the shoot, I used to feel like a raped woman. I couldn't walk straight.” The comment spurred outrage across India, and to make matters worse, Salman is yet to apologize for his comments, leaving his father to clean up his mess. Although he received a fair load of backlash for his comment, his film still broke box office records and he still has screaming fans rushing to his side blocking even the slightest hate toward him. And most of his fans are girls... unable to understand the gravity of his ignorant words. Why? Because he’s Salman Khan. Furthermore, people expected his co-star Anushka Sharma to denounce Salman, post his controversial comment during promotions and interviews. This is simply impossible because I’m quite sure that Anushka wants to keep her career intact. She may be one of Bollywood’s most driven and successful feminists and activists, however going against what her very powerful co-star chose to stupidly say, would virtually end her career. Not only was she in the movie but appeared for the first time with the bankable actor, proving she did not know him well nor did she have the ability to openly speak against him if her PR and management wanted her to act with him again. After the movie was released, she noted her distaste for Salman's comment but made sure to include her workplace only relationship with him to lighten the blow. This is the most any mainstream actor said against Salman and it should be lauded widely.

In a broader spectrum, no actresses who attended an event with Salman present, such as the IIFA awards which occurred a few days after his contentious statement, indicated to be against him. Stars such as Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra and Sonakshi Sinha stood by him as Salman continued to speak lively to audiences and promote his movie, knowing that he had thrown rape in just a few days ago as part of his “light-hearted banter.” These three stars are known to be open “feminists” and “fight toward women’s rights.” They are also three of the most widely sought-after actresses in the industry. However, this is the most they are able to do. People who expect them to go after large stars like Salman, putting their careers on the line are unable to understand that actresses choosing to take part in furthering the rights of women, something that isn’t part of the old fashioned culture of India, is a huge step itself. Surface level commentary given by mainstream actresses is actually seen as groundbreaking and much more advanced than it may be for the ordinary joe. This is simply because their job is not to propel movements and fight for causes but act. If the audience is pleased, actresses will continue what they’re doing, creating some social change but in actuality, just dipping their toes into the massive sea of sensitive social issues. Believe it or not, actresses (and actors) in the industry have certain subjects their PR has labeled a big no-no. And if making a statement against an actor at the degree Salman Khan is at creates a risk to their career, then they will not do it.

It's OK for them to say they are feminists and still want to keep their jobs. Salman is known to be overbearing and pushy when it comes to people speaking against him. Take Vivek Oberoi for example. Has anyone heard from him on the late after his rampage against Salman? (Back in the early 2000s by the way... yeah... that's how much power Salman has). No, not really. If Salman “bhai” Khan has enough platform in Indian media to kick an actor out of the standings then it'd be quite easy for him to destroy the name of an actress in Bollywood, considering media, the industry, and the public still do not give them the respect they deserve. These actresses may HATE what Salman said, and quite frankly hate the prejudiced and backward mentality much of the industry and country has. However, they can only do as much as their team allows them to, if they want to keep their jobs and stay on top. Actresses who do choose to speak out against someone who has as much magnitude as Salman feel more repercussions than we can imagine. As ordinary individuals, we have the ability to say whatever we want to say without a hundred media outlets waiting for us to say something the least bit controversial to eventually twist until you have no choice but to take it back.

Bollywood actresses have no choice but to be bystanders to situations involving their fellow industry mates and touchy subjects such as rape and abuse. Zipping their lips and throwing the key away is the go to move. Even if the words they speak may have the greatest impact and influence.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

101760
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

18181
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

17083
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments