Kangana Ranaut has once again ignited a debate in Bollywood, calling out male actors for their unprofessional behavior and mistreatment of actresses on film sets. In a recent interview, the actress labeled many male actors in the industry as "badtameez" (impolite), highlighting instances of sidelining heroines and creating a disrespectful environment.
Ranaut clarified that her criticism wasn't about sexual advances but rather about the everyday slights and power imbalances that female actors often face. She recounted instances of male actors arriving late on set, behaving poorly, putting down the heroine, sidelining her, or giving her minor perks. She emphasized that she refused to tolerate such behavior, even when it led to legal troubles and people questioning her "proud" stance.
The actress argued that many male actors feel threatened by successful female counterparts and resort to strategies to undermine them. This insecurity, she claims, is a significant reason behind the "badtameezi" she has observed, leading to heroines being portrayed as less important or inferior. Ranaut also pointed out that actors often use their influence to ensure that female leads have poorly structured roles with fewer opportunities for noteworthy performances, pushing them to the margins of marketing and promotional activities.
Ranaut's strong stance against the mistreatment of women in Bollywood isn't new. In the past, she has spoken about the issue of women's safety in the industry, accusing some actors of exploitation. She has also criticized the industry's tendency to prioritize superficial elements like "six-pack abs, hot babes, beaches, and item numbers" over substance and relatable characters. She believes that Bollywood actors live in a bubble, detached from reality, which prevents them from achieving the same level of success as actors like Allu Arjun, who connect with audiences through more grounded characters.
Her remarks have sparked considerable discussion about gender inequality and the treatment of women in the film industry. While some may see her comments as controversial, they have also resonated with many who believe that Bollywood needs to address its systemic issues of sexism and create a more equitable environment for female actors.