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Kalki Koechlin: Men and women are not yet equal in this industry
By Jahnavi Patel, Glamsham Editorial
With the release of films like QUEEN, MARDAANI, MARY KOM and others, a lot of women-centric films with great content have been made and have fared well. But Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin, who was last seen in MARGARITA WITH A STRAW, feels that men and women are still not considered equal and there is a long way to go.
At an interview when Kalki was asked if men and women are given equal importance now in terms of movies, she said, "I wouldn't go so fast that we are getting equal importance. I would say we are getting more importance than what we used to. But there is still a long way to go. No we are not equal yet. But definitely there are some changes happening. May be my grand-children will live in a world where my grand-girls and grand-boys, hopefully, will be paid the same. I think it will take some time. But I am glad that the conversation is even beginning. These are little steps, maybe I am cynical but it is definitely not happening in the next 2-3 years."
Films which have actresses play the protagonist are considered unconventional movies whereas when there are actors in the lead, they are called commercial films. Ask her if she thinks this is a bias and she says, "I have to say that this whole idea of women centric films is also wrong for me. We need women to be represented equally with men. It doesn't mean that the film has to be about the woman, that's not how the world works, that not the real portrayal. It is just that women shouldn't be stereotyped. She should be there to forward the plot and not just as a doll or an item. I think that essence is still not figured out. It should not be men vs women. The issue is about, whether it is a man or woman, we have to show them in the correct light and finding ways to make women a part of the story. Films are a reflection of the society, so films cannot be the bearer of all goodness and make all the changes. It has to come from the society and films will then reflect that change."
Kalki's last film, MAGARITA WITH A STRAW also starred Revathy, Hussain Dalal, Sayani Gupta, Malhar Khushu, Kuljeet Singh and others. Directed by Shonali Bose, produced by Shonali, Nilesh Maniyar and Ishan Talkies, the film released on 17th April, 2015.
