Exclusive: Anupama Chopra Says “Women Were Portrayed As Virgins Till DDLJ, That Has Changed Now.” Thank God It Did!
True that!
Anupama Chopra, revered as one of the most distinguished film critics of our time, brings a wealth of experience and insight into the evolving landscape of cinema. In an exclusive interview with Hauterrfly’s The Male Feminist, she delves into the shifting dynamics of female representation on screen, shedding light on the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. During the conversation, the topic of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s latest movie, Crew, surfaced, sparking a discussion on the persistent presence of the male gaze in cinema. Anupama acknowledged the existence of this gaze and emphasized that while change is indeed underway, it is not a linear progression.
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Anupama Chopra on Women On-Screen
Reflecting on her extensive tenure in the industry, Anupama expressed that societal transformation is a complex process, marked by both advancements and setbacks. She remarked, “It’s one step forward and two steps back… I have seen how much it’s changed over so many decades. But in day-to-day interactions, how much women have a voice… it will always be a work in progress because society is a work in progress.” Anupama highlighted the nuanced nature of societal evolution, emphasizing that individuals are products of their environment and that societal norms are in a state of flux. She noted the uncertainty surrounding societal expectations and norms, stating, “We are all figuring out… the situation is much better, I think, 5-7 years ago.”
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Anupama Chopra on Crew and DDLJ
The conversation took a poignant turn as Anupama discussed the evolving portrayal of women on screen. She remarked that contemporary cinema has moved away from the binary depiction of women as either virtuous heroines or conniving vamps. Anupama noted the significant departure from past norms, citing instances where female characters are portrayed with greater complexity and agency.
Anupama underscored the profound shift in societal attitudes towards female sexuality, citing the example of Kareena Kapoor’s character in *Crew*, where she plays a woman unapologetically pursuing her desires without conforming to traditional expectations. Anupama highlighted the contrast with earlier cinematic norms, noting, “Till DDLJ, women on screen were expected to be virgins. She had said, “If we have come to a place where Kareena kapoor can play a spoiled girl on screen, where she is sleeping with a guy because obviously he’s rich and that’s fine. We have gone so far away from how women were just portrayed either as a vamp or as heroine of the movie and there was nothing in between. Till DDLJ women on screen were expected to be virgin.”
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While women and their portrayal on screen still has a lot of improvement, but we do agree with few of the points Anupama Chopra made during the interview.
First Published: April 12, 2024 1:06 PM
