So Radhika Apte was the talk of the Tollywood Town for all the wrong reasons. A tiny statement she threw criticizing the Telugu Film Industry about it being “patriarchal” and rather “chauvinistic” took the industry by storm. Well, the patriarchy part I assume is true to a large extent in literally every industry there has been, so I agree with her on that.

However, calling an entire industry chauvinistic based on a fifth of a role that she played in just one mainstream movie of a superstar, was tall talk. The stint she made about the role being extremely devotional to the husband, sounded a little misinformed and misleading considering she was playing a role of a wife of the eighties who was devoted to the husband. Sounds pretty legit to me.

Don’t get me wrong I would stand by you if this husband was abusive or belittling, but you are speaking of the same character who says the “legendary” dialogue about even Gods being born of a mother’s womb. Also working with a Superstar, a giant of this industry and complaining about him getting a lot of attention on set… umm… I don’t even know where to go with that.

Anyway, I understand your need to not do roles where you only have to dance or be pretty.

Just for your information the same “chauvinistic” Tollywood produced some awesome movies where the female leads dominated and also contributed in making the movie a blockbuster.

P.S. These are just the few from the top of my head.

Arudhati: A role with a ton of variations and modulations that I can’t even list it here; a successful one for that matter.

Anukokunda Oka Roju: Even a simple girl next door can turn her life around unexpectedly. Charmi did a splendid performance in this one.

Anasuya: A role of a successful, ethical, emotional and brave reporter who adopts a child as a single woman. Need I say more?

Vedam: Yes, The TFI could effortlessly pull off a role of a prostitute without demonizing her and Anushka made it through with immense grace.

Osey Ramulamma: An exploited woman who loses so much that she finds an unconventional new way of life.

Secretary: This movie of the 70s, my personal favourite, drew up a character of a woman who is a master of her own will. Even as a woman of the 21st century I find this character incredibly relevant and practical.

Oh, and I’m sure Ms. Apte, you would love this song about empowered women and changing dynamic amongst households.

You probably won’t understand the song but if there’s anything that needs to be said about women in positions of power then this song says it all. This was made 50 years ago in the TFI btw.

Way before you or I existed to save the world from chauvinism.

All this apart, I wish Radhika Apte all the best for her next venture… in the same industry… with the same hero.

If you wish to contribute, mail us at admin@chaibisket.com



Like and Share: Tweet

comments