Vidya Balan highlights gender bias in Bollywood, says 'They're uncomfortable'
With over two decades of illustrious career, Vidya Balan has cemented herself as one of the best actors of the contemporary era and has been an outspoken advocate on various issues. She recently opened up about her experiences with gender bias in Bollywood during a discussion with Indian Express. The actor, who is gearing up for Do Aur Do Pyaar, admitted to facing resistance from male co-stars when it comes to sharing the spotlight.
'I don't think they'd be okay even today...'
Highlighting the persistent gender bias in Bollywood, Balan stated, "Back in the day? (rolls eyes) I don't think they'd be okay even today to star in a Vidya Balan film or a female-led film for that matter." "It's their loss honestly because we are doing better films than they are. I genuinely believe that. They are doing more formulae-based films, women-led films are far more exciting."
Balan unfazed by male co-stars' discomfort with female leads
Balan further expressed "Of course, people have been appreciative, but male stars are uncomfortable with women taking center stage." "I don't think they'd be okay with anyone stealing the thunder. But I never felt bad. I was like, if they are threatened, what can I do?." Notably, Balan has spearheaded numerous female-led films including No One Killed Jessica (2011), Kahaani (2012), and The Dirty Picture (2011). Additionally, she portrayed the mathematical genius in Amazon Prime Video's Shakuntala Devi (2020).
Balan recalled 'witch hunt' and personal struggles
Further in the interview, Balan also discussed the "witch hunt" she faced in Bollywood that affected her self-confidence. "It came from a personal issue that someone was having with me." She added, "You had to see my mother...Every time I stepped out...I would be at the door and she would look me from top to toe and she would ask if it was okay me going dressed like that...Suddenly I would lose my confidence because I would see her nervous."
Balan is busy promoting her film 'Do Aur Do Pyaar'
Shirsha Guha Thakurta's Do Aur Do Pyaar also stars Pratik Gandhi (Scam 1992). It is scheduled for release on April 19, going head-to-head with Ektaa Kapoor's LSD 2. Also starring Ileana D'Cruz and Sendhil Ramamurthy, it revolves around a couple teetering on the edge of a breakup who find themselves entangled in affairs. However, they encounter unexpected twists of fate that intervene in their relationship.
