At the National Women’s Thinkers Conference in Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan on Women’s Day, sharp critiques echoed against cinema’s role in distorting women’s images. Day two’s ‘Nature and Culture’ session featured seven speakers unpacking the cultural fallout of movies.
Focusing on blockbusters such as Dangal, Animal, Kabir Singh, and Mirzapur, panelists decried the normalization of substance abuse and female commodification. Veteran journalist Kiran Chopra painted a stark picture: ‘Dangal motivated families to train daughters like wrestlers—a positive shift. Contrast that with films flaunting open drug use and provocative dances, which birthed viral challenges of women balancing liquor glasses on their heads, now mimicking in homes everywhere.’
She passionately argued, ‘Media treats women like mere objects, exploiting our emotional sensitivities and fear of independence. Reform is essential. Women are powerful on their own; awakening that power within is key.’
Echoing cultural revival, Sandhya Purecha of Sangeet Natak Akademi invoked Vedic ideals. ‘Puranas portray women as divine energy. Yet, domestic violence surges, defying our scriptures. It’s time to reclaim these timeless values to shield and uplift women.’
This gathering highlighted cinema’s power as both a mirror and molder of society, calling for narratives that empower rather than diminish.