Actress Nushrratt Bharuccha recently shed light on the pervasive sexism within Bollywood, detailing how male stars often receive preferential treatment, from career opportunities to basic amenities like vanity vans and washrooms.
The Unequal Playing Field
Bharuccha highlighted a stark difference in opportunities for male and female actors after delivering a hit film. She noted that a male actor, regardless of their background, immediately gets multiple new offers.
However, for women, the struggle continues even after a blockbuster. She observed that female actors, like herself after “Pyaar Ka Punchnama,” don’t get as many chances to choose from diverse projects.
Disparity in Facilities
The actress also revealed discrepancies in on-set facilities. She mentioned instances where male stars are provided with larger, more comfortable vanity vans and even better washrooms.
Bharuccha recalled having to ask permission to use a hero’s vanity van because its washroom was “nicer” than hers. Despite this, she expressed determination to reach a point where such amenities are automatically provided to her.
Travel Perks: A Class Apart
The unequal treatment extends to travel arrangements as well. Nushrratt shared a past experience where she was assigned an economy class ticket for a long international flight, while her male co-stars flew business class.
Although offered a seat in business class by friends, she refused. She vowed to herself that she would only travel business class when it was booked for her by the production house, a goal she has since achieved.
A Shocking Setback After Her Biggest Hit
Perhaps one of the most surprising revelations was a career low point after her biggest blockbuster. Nushrratt shared that her management agency dropped her shortly after the film’s success, stating they “couldn’t manage” for her anymore.
Despite her film being a massive hit, she found herself without representation and no clear path forward. This unexpected turn left her heartbroken and confused.
The Invisible Struggle
Following this setback, Nushrratt experienced a period of professional drought, having no work for one to two years. She explained that many people assumed she was being selective with her projects, unaware of her struggle.
During this challenging time, she was without a team or a strong support system. Her candid confession highlights the hidden battles many artists face behind the glamour of the industry.
- Female actors often face fewer career opportunities post-hit compared to their male counterparts.
- Sexism in Bollywood extends to basic workplace amenities like vanity vans and washrooms.
- Nushrratt Bharuccha was dropped by her agency after her biggest film success, leading to a two-year period without work.
Nushrratt’s journey, marked by hits like “Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety” and “Dream Girl,” serves as a testament to her resilience in an industry that still grapples with deeply ingrained biases.
