Actress Indraxi Kanjilal, known for her role as Prarthana in Pushpa Impossible, believes the portrayal of women in entertainment still needs significant improvement, though progress is being made.
A Shift Towards Realistic Female Characters
Kanjilal acknowledges that change is underway, but says it’s still limited. “Women are being portrayed more realistically now, but it’s still in its early stages,” she explains. Historically, Bollywood films often depicted women as secondary to male heroes, weak or dependent. “Women are strong, intelligent, and capable,” she says, adding that they manage everything from home to work with great skill.
The Rise of Women-Centric Stories
Kanjilal is encouraged by the growing trend of women-led projects. “Films like Mardaani and The Devil Wears Prada showcase powerful female leads,” she says. However, she notes that most of these projects are created by female directors or writers. “It would be great to see more men leading these changes and portraying women as real, strong individuals.”
Prarthana: A Role That Resonates
One of Kanjilal’s most memorable roles is Prarthana in Pushpa Impossible. “Prarthana’s journey from a homemaker to an ambitious woman aspiring to be an IPS officer is empowering,” she shares. “Her growth is rare in Indian TV, where mothers-in-law are often shown as villains. But in this show, Prarthana’s mother-in-law, Pushpa, empowers her to grow.” Kanjilal finds the character’s transformation deeply inspiring and believes it will resonate with many.
Gender Pay Disparity: A Persistent Issue
While Kanjilal has not personally experienced pay disparity, she acknowledges it remains a significant issue in the industry. “Many actresses are paid less than male leads, even when they attract more viewers,” she explains. She also points to how some actresses have left shows due to these pay discrepancies, though she notes her own show has avoided this problem.
The Slow but Steady Change
Despite the persistence of pay disparity, Kanjilal sees hope for change. She points to instances where female stars earn more due to their fanbase, such as Chhapaak, where Deepika Padukone was paid more than her male co-star, Vikrant Massey. “Gender-based pay disparity is still an issue, but things are slowly improving,” Kanjilal concludes.
With growing awareness and more women-centered stories emerging, Kanjilal remains optimistic that the future of women in film and TV looks brighter.
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