'Gender equality doesn't need to happen in industry': Ram Kapoor
In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, renowned actor Ram Kapoor expressed his thoughts on the ongoing discussions about gender equality in the entertainment industry. Kapoor questioned why there hasn't been similar discourse concerning male actors facing comparable issues within television and modeling sectors. His comments come amid growing calls for increased gender parity within the entertainment world.
Kapoor believes audience shapes entertainment industry's gender dynamics
Kapoor, currently featured in The Khalbali Records streaming on JioCinema, further elaborated on his views during the interview. He suggested that the existing gender dynamics within the entertainment industry are a reflection of audience preferences. "I don't think gender equality needs to really happen in the entertainment industry... Because every industry has a certain dynamic, and that dynamic has been chosen by the audience."
Kapoor reflects on gender roles in television industry
Kapoor, known for his roles in popular shows like Kasamh Se and Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, shared his experience from his 15-year television career. "For 15 years, I was part of the television industry where the female lead is much bigger than the male lead. On the small screen, it is all about Tulsi and Parvati." "The male lead is the second fiddle to the female. But in those entire 15 years, I never cared about male gender economy there."
Kapoor dismisses concerns over gender equality in entertainment
Kapoor expressed indifference toward the gender dynamics in both Bollywood and television, stating that it doesn't matter to him whether males or females are doing better. "I have been a part of an industry where the females have dominated and I've been totally okay with that. You know why? Because it is the audience who wanted that." "Whether it's Bollywood, where males are doing better, or television where the females are doing better, it doesn't matter to me."
'There are enough industries where women rule'
Kapoor, who has a broad fan base across television, films, and the OTT space, raised questions about the feminist movement's focus. "People say that men are kept as the priority whether it's Bollywood or Hollywood, and that may be true. But there are enough industries where it is the opposite and where nobody makes a big deal out of it." "There nobody talks about gender equality. There are enough industries where women rule. Nobody makes a big deal."
Kapoor highlights gender disparity in modeling industry
Kapoor pointed out the modeling industry as an example where women dominate and men are often overlooked. He noted that male models worldwide can't match the fame of female models like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford. "But what's happened is that the feminine movement has made too big a deal about women coming. I don't dwell on this because no matter what feminism might want to produce, it's always the audience who will decide on what's going to happen."
