Director Onir agrees with Priyanka Chopra’s claims of Bollywood discrimination
Director Onir has voiced his support for Priyanka Chopra’s recent statement regarding the discriminatory treatment in Bollywood. Onir highlighted the fact that the truth about the industry’s practices surfaces once in a while but is soon forgotten. He also pointed out the media’s role in perpetuating this discrimination by being more interested in paparazzi shots of star kids than in talking to “outsider” newcomers.
Speaking on Dax Shepherd’s podcast Armchair Expert, Chopra revealed that she left the industry due to people’s behavior that forced her into a corner. She added that she was tired of politics and needed a break.
Truth of discriminatory treatment in Bollywood
This discussion has reignited the conversation around the discriminatory practices in Bollywood and the need for change. Many actors and industry insiders have come forward to share their own experiences of facing discrimination and bias.
The issue of nepotism, or the favoritism shown to family members and close friends in the industry, has been a particularly contentious topic. Many actors from non-film backgrounds have spoken out about the difficulty of breaking into the industry and the lack of opportunities for talented individuals.
However, some industry insiders have also defended the practice of nepotism, arguing that it is not unique to Bollywood and is prevalent in all industries. They also argue that the children of actors and producers have grown up in the industry and are therefore more equipped to handle the pressures and demands of the job.
Regardless of the arguments for and against nepotism, it is clear that there is a need for greater representation and inclusivity in Bollywood. The industry has a responsibility to provide equal opportunities to all actors and to create a level playing field.
Need for change in the Bollywood industry
One way to achieve this is by promoting diversity behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera. This includes hiring more female directors, writers, and producers, as well as those from underrepresented communities. It also involves creating a more supportive and inclusive working environment where actors and crew members are treated with respect and dignity.
Another important step is to change the way films are marketed and promoted. Many Bollywood films are marketed solely based on the star power of the lead actors, with little attention paid to the story or the other actors involved. This reinforces the idea that only a select few actors are capable of carrying a film, and that the rest are merely supporting players.
Instead, films should be marketed based on their quality and the talent of the entire cast and crew. This will help to promote greater diversity and inclusivity in the industry and provide opportunities for more actors to showcase their skills and abilities.
It is also essential to have more open and honest conversations about the issues facing the industry. Many actors and insiders have spoken out about the culture of silence that exists in Bollywood, where people are afraid to speak out against discrimination or abuse. Breaking this silence and creating a safe space for discussion and dialogue is crucial to creating a more inclusive and equitable industry.
Read More: Gokul Pillai’s AI-generated portraits show how billionaires will look if they were poor
Ultimately, the responsibility for change lies with everyone involved in the industry, from the actors and producers to the audiences and the media. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable Bollywood that reflects the diversity and talent of India’s people.
The recent discussions around the discriminatory practices in Bollywood are a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable industry. While the road to change will not be easy, it is essential that we continue to have these conversations and take action to create a level playing field for all actors and crew members. Only then can we truly harness the talent and diversity of India’s film industry and create films that reflect the richness and complexity of our society.
