Four better shots, please

Women are calling the shots at more TV studios and networks. The result? Stories that fight stereotypes, punch up the patriarchy, and let women characters break away from silly old binaries. See how they do it

- Urvee Modwel

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