Virgin, vixen, vamp. Mother, muse, martyr. Banshee, boss lady, bitch. If women on screen tend to look like cardboard cutouts - lacking depth and individuality – it is largely because no one has cared to present them as they really are.
Most women work in front of the camera, rather than behind it. But over the past few years, viewers have noticed the change, from glitzy to gritty.
Much of this is because there are more women behind the scenes, with the power to shape stories, explore new storylines, show women as complex and fun, flawed and real.
The path ahead is rocky. And the women are fighting battles of their own too. "Women in entertainment, in leadership positions, hit a ceiling after a point," says Nimisha Pandey, chief content officer at Zee5.
"When it's creative, there tend to be more women. When the stakes get high, companies want a man handling it." Meet four women fighting the good fight at the top, to create shows and series that both men and women can be proud of.
Mrinalini Khanna
Vice-president, Originals, Lionsgate India
"One of my favourite portrayals of women is Deepika Padukone in Cocktail. I think that's the first time we saw a party girl with a heart. And I love Tara Khanna (played by Sobhita Dhulipala) in Made in Heaven, because that is such a grey yet loving character. It beautifully shows how hungry she is to escape her circumstances."
Taking the fight to the screen
Denne historien er fra December 9, 2023-utgaven av Brunch.
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Denne historien er fra December 9, 2023-utgaven av Brunch.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Staying well within range
Driving from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar in an XC40 Recharge at night means going against the odds but it's not dangerous
Forget demure, forget mindful
Women are expected to dress their age. But why should arbitrary numbers dictate anyone's choices? Wear what you want, when you want
Bubbling under, boiling over
The year's best food yet, from Bandra to Seoul, from old names and new, from starters to afters
The new spin doctors
Come for the hooping, stay for fire poi, dapostar, leviwand and more. India's newest subculture blends art and athletics, meditation and showmanship, public and private. And it looks great on the 'gram
Shall we put a label on this?
What is high fructose corn syrup? Is red dye good? Dieticians and nutritionists break down the confusing stuff we see on food labels
Pho heaven's sake, explore!
There's more to Vietnam than the Golden Bridge or Ha Long Bay. Discover limestone cliffs, rice terraces, and local foods that haven't made it to the 'gram
No. Wait. She did what?
These mean girls are self-centred, bratty, and can make your life hell. But they stole the show. Read on, loser. And tell us how it wasssss
Are you seeing spots too?
Jyoti Bhatt's serigraphs use traditional symbols in modern ways, creating art that is slyly clever and full of little stories
Leave us to our own devices
Instead of banning gadgets, restaurants should ban people that are actually disturbing the peace
Siam Siam, but different
The reason Indians feel instantly at home in Thailand is because their mix of Hindu and Buddhist traditions so closely mirrors our own, creating a comfort zone abroad