Actor Vidya Balan has questioned why modern feminism restricts women to a
stereotypical image and criticises them if they wish to enjoy ‘traditional
things’. Speaking at the launch event of film critic Maithili Rao’s book
The Millennial Woman in Bollywood, Vidya asked why the modern woman is
being ‘stereotyped’.Vidya also spoke about her 2021 film Sherni. In the Amit Masurkar-directed
drama, Vidya featured as an upright forest officer who is tasked to resolve
the man-animal conflict. The film also stars Sharat Saxena, Vijay Raaz, Ila
Arun, Brijendra Kala, Neeraj Kabi and Mukul Chaddha.Vidya said, “Why can’t a strong woman, a feminist, have a partner,
also wish to enjoy traditional things and also wish to take a step back?
Why is the modern woman being used as a typical example of what every woman
must be? Why is the modern woman being stereotyped? Why empowerment and
wanting to live as you please needs to be so exclusive.”
stereotypical image and criticises them if they wish to enjoy ‘traditional
things’. Speaking at the launch event of film critic Maithili Rao’s book
The Millennial Woman in Bollywood, Vidya asked why the modern woman is
being ‘stereotyped’.Vidya also spoke about her 2021 film Sherni. In the Amit Masurkar-directed
drama, Vidya featured as an upright forest officer who is tasked to resolve
the man-animal conflict. The film also stars Sharat Saxena, Vijay Raaz, Ila
Arun, Brijendra Kala, Neeraj Kabi and Mukul Chaddha.Vidya said, “Why can’t a strong woman, a feminist, have a partner,
also wish to enjoy traditional things and also wish to take a step back?
Why is the modern woman being used as a typical example of what every woman
must be? Why is the modern woman being stereotyped? Why empowerment and
wanting to live as you please needs to be so exclusive.”
She talked about Sherni where she essayed the character of Vidya Vincent.
That’s why I loved Sherni so much. She took on these men, but in such a
subdued manner, not needing to indulge in any chest-thumping, Vidya added.
