Nushrratt Bharuccha has again raised an essential debate by naming the deep-seated sexism in Bollywood. During a frank interview with film writer Nayandeep Rakshit, she spoke about the persistent bias and double standards to which women have to conform in the world of cinema. From vanity vans and washroom access to pay grades and flying classes, Nushrratt talks about a few experiences from her career that expose the stark gender imbalance behind the scenes. Her account not only discusses individual challenges but also indicates the bigger system problem that still sidelines women in Bollywood.
Denied Basic Comforts on Set
Nushrratt shared an experience where she was instructed to make use of the vanity van of her male co-star, she asked for permission, desiring to utilize the area for a mere five minutes since he was not around. She discussed how most times, she would have to ask, “Can I use the washrooms of the hero’s vanity? They’re cleaner than mine.” Even though it made her uncomfortable, she never once complained on set. Rather, she silently promised to achieve a stage where she would get these fundamental amenities without demanding anything.
Struggles of Opportunity and Visibility
Talking about the imbalance of opportunities, Nushrratt explained that male actors—be it insiders or outsiders—are promptly being offered a number of projects after a single success. However, women actors, even with hit films, keep fighting for meaningful roles.
She stressed the way this lopsided pattern has been since her Pyaar Ka Punchnama days back in 2011, every actor desires after a success, she stated, is “a few choices for possible future projects” sadly, women do not have that luxury as easily as men.
Class Divide Even in Travel
Nushrratt also shared a moment when she was offered a small role and was compelled to fly economy class with the technical team. Later, they invited her to take a seat in the business class, but she did not. She wished to earn that seat on the basis of her work and experience in the industry. She finally earned that milestone and flew business class when offered larger roles—on her own terms.
A Voice That Resounds Beyond One Performance
The imbalance Nushrratt experienced is not unique to her, her narrative is that of many women in Indian cinema. As more and more actors come forward, the industry has no choice but to address these internalized inequities and begin the process of change.
