Happy time for women in Indian cinema: Shabana

Jan 26,2015


Kolkata, Jan 26 (IANS) Veteran actress-social activist Shabana Azmi has expressed hope for women in Hindi cinema, observing that roles are becoming substantial for them and are being written for all age groups.

"I am very hopeful. I feel the roles are becoming substantial in films that are women-centric, but even within the films themselves," Shabana said here Sunday evening at a special session of the Kolkata Literary Meet.

The multiple National Award winner highlighted the fact that the current crop of films are incorporating characters of working women, and that women artists are demanding meatier roles.

"Today even in gangster movies, women are working...I think there is a greater understanding within the women artists themselves where they are demanding more meat if not necessarily in terms of the length, but definitely in terms of what the character is," she said.

Also, various age groups are being portrayed in Hindi cinema today, Shabana said.

"I think it is a very important time for Hindi cinema because roles are being written for all age groups. Earlier 30 was the end of a women's career. But today the roles are opening up and they are available, so I do think that happy times are here," she said.

The reason, according to Shabana, is the advent of multiplexes.

"The advent of multiplexes has thrown up choices.

"Why did we have a certain kind of film in the 1970s and 1980s? Because the intent of the producer was to cater to the lowest common denominator because you wanted to get the maximum number of people in the audience.

"Today it is possible to cater to a certain section of the audience and still make your money through your multiplexes, through urban centres. There are films which don't only depend on the lowest common denominator and that is opening up the way for lots of different things that are also being made," she said.

Top Stories

Shah Rukh Khan's 'King' song leaked online? King Khan seen kissing Deepika; users react.

Shah Rukh Khan's 'King' song leaked online? King Khan seen kissing Deepika; users react.

 Dec 19,2025

  It was claimed that the entire song from the film 'King' had been leaked on social media. The video allegedly showed Shah Rukh Khan romancing Deepika Padukone and even kissing her. Is this song truly from the film 'King'? And what was the reaction of Shah Rukh Khan's fans to this song

Happy Patel Trailer: This duo from Aamir Khan's film is back again with DK Bose; will this mark Imran Khan's comeback?

Happy Patel Trailer: This duo from Aamir Khan's film is back again with DK Bose; will this mark Imran Khan's comeback?

 Dec 19,2025

  The trailer for Happy Patel: Dangerous Spy, directed by and starring Vir Das, has been released. This fun announcement has generated considerable excitement for the film, which is set to release in January 2026.  The film also marks the comeback of Imran Khan.   A Fun Announcem

Esha Deol returned to work after her father Dharmendra's death, saying,

Esha Deol returned to work after her father Dharmendra's death, saying, "Don't misunderstand me as a daughter."

 Dec 19,2025

  The entire Bollywood industry, including fans and the Deol family, is still reeling from the death of veteran actor Dharmendra. Recently, his son Sunny Deol attended the teaser launch of his upcoming film Border 2, where he was visibly emotional. Now, following Sunny, Esha Deol has also re

After watching Dhurandhar, Ram Gopal Varma gave his review, saying,

After watching Dhurandhar, Ram Gopal Varma gave his review, saying, "This is a warning for everyone."

 Dec 19,2025

While the film "Dhurandhar" is receiving widespread acclaim everywhere, how could filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma be left behind? Ram Gopal Varma also showered immense praise on the Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna starrer "Dhurandhar." He called the film, directed by Aditya Dhar, an unprecedented a

Two actresses have joined Shahid Kapoor's O Romeo, and these beauties are unmatched in terms of hotness.

Two actresses have joined Shahid Kapoor's O Romeo, and these beauties are unmatched in terms of hotness.

 Dec 18,2025

  Actor Shahid Kapoor will kick off the new year with his favorite filmmaker, Vishal Bhardwaj. Their upcoming film, O Romeo, has been the subject of much discussion for a long time, with various reports surfacing about the film's shooting and cast.Now, news is circulating that two famous Bo

Ranveer's fans targeted Rishab Shetty over the Kantara controversy, saying,

Ranveer's fans targeted Rishab Shetty over the Kantara controversy, saying, "If the deities were angry, then why was the film a blockbuster hit?"

 Dec 16,2025

  Ranveer Singh is currently enjoying the success of his film 'Dhruva'. The film is doing exceptionally well at the box office. Meanwhile, a controversy involving Ranveer and 'Kantara' has resurfaced. Ranveer had faced criticism for mimicking Rishab Shetty's character from 'Kantara Cha

Shraddha Kapoor lashed out at Dhurandhar's enemies, 'Stree' exposed Bollywood's hypocrisy, and she supported Yami Gautam!

Shraddha Kapoor lashed out at Dhurandhar's enemies, 'Stree' exposed Bollywood's hypocrisy, and she supported Yami Gautam!

 Dec 16,2025

  Filmmaker Aditya Dhar's film Dhurandhar is raking in massive profits at the box office, and every character in the film is being discussed on social media. It has received immense praise from both audiences and celebrities. This spy thriller has already crossed the ?500 crore mark worldwi

Kriti Sanon gave an update on 'Cocktail 2', saying, 'The film is being made at the right time'; she also commented on Shahid and Rashmika.

Kriti Sanon gave an update on 'Cocktail 2', saying, 'The film is being made at the right time'; she also commented on Shahid and Rashmika.

 Dec 15,2025

  Kriti Sanon is currently one of the leading actresses in the industry. She is consistently part of big films. Her recently released film, 'Tere Ishq Mein', also crossed the 100 crore mark at the box office. The actress is currently busy shooting for her upcoming film, 'Cocktail 2'. Mea

© filmbees.com. All Rights Reserved.