"Bollywood can still be male dominated in the macroscopic aspect of things. But today women are breaking barriers, leading narratives, and shaping the industry's evolution in a way that has not happened before. Also, there is a crucial shift in the way audience interacts with cinema," says Kanika Dhillon, the woman instrumental in scripting the success story of women in contemporary Hindi cinema. Be it Rumi (Manmarziyaan) or Mukku (Kedarnath) or Bobby (Judgementall Hai Kya) or Rani (Haseen Dilruba), her women refuse to be mere placeholders; they break prejudices and challenge perceptions. Kanika imbues her women with main character energy. They are not immaculate devis or cardboard divas, but they are messy, confused, emotionally volatile, strong-willed and sometimes even problematic regular women.
We caught up with the author, scriptwriter, and now producer, and ask her some contentious questions on the portrayal of the independent modern woman in contemporary cinema including the popular brand of feminism peddled in the movies is a byproduct of patriarchy, if the 'man's world' is still uncomfortable with the idea of a working woman and hence the focus on sexual liberalisation instead of a financial one, and if it is a true evolution or just a case of older stereotypes getting replaced by newer ones. Excerpts:
What is essentially a Kanika Dhillon woman?
My women embody strength, vulnerability, and complexity. She is shaped by her own unique experiences and choices. They are nuanced and real characters.
It seems in Bollywood we are still more or less oscillating between bechari (women reeling under patriarchy trying to find a voice) and bewafa ('modern' women treating men as disposable)! What's your take on this?
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2024 من Man's World.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2024 من Man's World.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique
More than a generation after she was last seen on screen, the mystique that she successfully wrapped herself in continues to serve her well in the public imagination. Her fleeting public appearances in dazzling silk sarees and makeup continue to beguile the camera in the same manner it did at the peak of her career
iPhone Fatigue
Do we really need an annual Apple flagship release?
Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness hit men at an early age, at times in late 30s and early 40s. We asked the experts the reason behind it, treatments that can help, and factors to take care of
SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY
In conversation with Man's World for Hyundai Drive Within campaign, the stylish Indian batter talks about her craft, evolution, and her thoughts on women's cricket
Pritam Hitting The High Note
A National Award for Brahmastra: Part One Shiva this year and songs that continue to clock millions of streams, Pritam Chakraborty proves why he's one of the most acclaimed Hindi Film music directors of our time
JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE
In conversation with Man's World as a part of Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Jemimah Rodrigues take us through the drive within her that inspires her to be the best in her business.
SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
In conversation with Man's World India as a part of the Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Shafali Verma opens up about her historic double century, her fearless brand of cricket, and more
Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition
Seiko's 100th anniversary of the first watch to bear its name brought an exciting addition to its famed Prospex collection; a timepiece that pays homage to the brand's iconic history while embracing modern ideas of versatile wearability
WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS
Horology isn't just about precision. It's also about understanding the rules of perception-and sometimes, taking a sledgehammer to them
Denim The Timeless Trendsetter
Crystal Henricksen, Head of Denim Design at GAP, shares with us what makes the fabric simple, versatile, and timeless