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Javed Akhtar's Bold Take on 'Animal' and the Representation of Women in Indian Cinema
In a recent appearance on Nikhil Taneja’s show "Be a Man," Javed Akhtar explored various aspects of his life, such as his childhood, career choices, struggle with alcoholism, and the impact of cinema. However, his frank observations on the representation of women in Indian cinema, particularly regarding the film "Animal," were especially noteworthy.
During the conversation, the topic shifted to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s popular film "Animal." Akhtar admitted he had not seen the film but had read about certain scenes he found deeply problematic. He specifically highlighted a scene where Tripti's character is asked to lick Ranbir's shoe and another where Ranbir slaps Rashmika Mandanna. Akhtar felt these scenes perpetuated toxic masculinity and undermined women's dignity.
The discussion then referenced Nasseruddin Shah’s earlier comments on the show, where he criticized films like "Pushpa" and "RRR" for their hyper-masculine themes. While Akhtar acknowledged Shah’s perspective, he personally found no issue with "RRR," viewing it instead as a narrative about friendship.
Reflecting on his body of work, Akhtar noted he had never written a female-oriented film. However, he emphasized that the female characters in the films he co-wrote with Salim Khan were far from being "dumb blondes." He cited examples from "Zanjeer," "Trishul," and "Sholay," where women were portrayed as working professionals. He attributed his inability to write female-centric stories to his upbringing in a predominantly male environment, which, he admitted, limited his inspiration in this regard.
Akhtar also shared his views on the misrepresentation of modern, empowered women in contemporary Hindi cinema. He critiqued the film "Jab Tak Hai Jaan," particularly a dialogue where a female character expresses her intention to sleep with a man from every nationality before getting married. Akhtar questioned the necessity of such exaggerated portrayals, arguing that true empowerment does not require such extremes. He suggested that societal confusion about the modern woman's image often leads to their misrepresentation in films.
However, Akhtar praised his daughter, Zoya Akhtar, for her nuanced portrayal of modern women. He commended her work in films like "Luck by Chance," "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara," and "Dil Dhadakne Do," where she successfully captured the essence of contemporary womanhood.
Javed Akhtar’s insights are marked by his characteristic forthrightness. His disapproval of films like "Animal" for showcasing toxic masculinity is a testament to his unwavering commitment to dignified and respectful representation of women in cinema. His reflections offer a critical lens through which to evaluate the evolving depiction of women in Indian films, urging filmmakers to strive for authenticity and depth in their portrayal of female characters.
- PTC PUNJABI
