Shabana Azmi
Hindi cinema needs to make working women and women of substance more visible.
Why is a woman always judged only on the basis of her relationship with her family members and the time she gives them, and not on the basis of her success at work?
Why cannot a woman be shown working out of choice, the way men do? Can't a woman work because she enjoys it and is capable of doing it? Why should they be shown leaving home for employment as a sacrifice for the family?
I'm not saying a housewife is in any way inferior to a workingwoman. No, she isn't. But as an activist, as a woman, I would say the choice of being a housewife or pursuing a career should be left entirely to the woman and that choice should be respected.
I take up films only if I agree with the ultimate message the film conveys.
Acting is all about reacting. When you look into the eyes of your co-star and there is truth in his eyes, giving a reaction becomes so much easier.
Unless you have strong roots in films, music, art, painting, or theatre, you can't talk high and think internationally.
If the audience shows that it is interested in films portraying strong women, then the producers will be tempted to make such films.
Some people feel that the purpose of cinema is entertainment - which in itself is a healthy enough goal, provided you define what constitutes entertainment. But I come from a family where I grew up believing that cinema - art - should be used as an instrument for change and that's the kind of cinema I've largely done and been attracted to.