Sridevi death: When actresses not conforming to 'norms' were labelled 'unstable'

A prominent international liquor brand has specially come out with a female version, where Jack paves way for Jane since women enjoy their blends and single malts as much as their male counterparts. Therefore, it is rather ironical and somewhat disturbing that the focus on late actor Sridevi’s sudden death, turned to alcohol traces in her blood. The conspiracy theories went out of control and this legendary actress was instantly brandished as an alcoholic with indirect insinuation that this vice was responsible for her death.

But the focus is not on female celebrities alone. In India, any lady enjoying her drink, no matter how successful or professional she may be, is unfortunately perceived as a fallen woman. And if she speaks her mind or exposes a malaise in society, she is at the receiving end of the choicest abuses, as actress Preity Zinta, who took on industrialist Ness Wadia over his alleged sexual misconduct, found out. Likewise in the case of actress Kangana Ranaut, who dared to speak up against Hrithik Roshan. Not only was she semi-ostracised by the industry, but she was also labeled mentally unstable.

The incorrect and misogynistic perception is that a woman who drinks or is overtly outspoken, is clearly not in control of her senses and incapable of managing her life, leave alone her career. This dangerous mindset has also found its permanent place in popular cinema. 

In fact, in one of Sridevi’s iconic movies, Chaalbaaz, where she played a double role, the wicked sister Anju enjoys her drink but the virtuous one Manju doesn’t drink at all, thus propagating the medieval concept of a pure girl. 

Sociologist G.K. Karanth says, “People (more often men) who make such derogatory remarks or jump to conclusions do so out of a seemingly ‘moralistic’ attitude towards drinking. It is ‘social drinking’ when they indulge in it, but when women drink, it’s blatant ‘alcoholism’ or ‘lack of character’. Those who accuse and speculate about women are in reality trying to camouflage their own shortcomings.” He adds, “I’d also like to attribute this relentless ‘fault-finding’ behaviour to the lack of right exposure. These people are convinced that the ruling ideology is in favour of their mindset. It’s unfortunate.”

So no matter how successful a woman is, like Preity, Kangana or Sridevi, a glass or two of alcohol makes her unstable. Sadly, nobody questions a drunken man.

 While it is absolutely acceptable for men to network over a drink, women who do the same are clearly ‘having fun’.

And if the lady happens to be a movie star, the speculation about her character is downright cheap and disgusting. 

Actress Sanjjana says, “Movie stars are considered as public property and people believe they own them. If it’s a female actor, and things are not going well for her, they will belittle and humiliate her with all kinds of speculation. Every celeb has to pay a price. Unfort-unately, Sridevi died an unnatural death and that has led to idle gossip. That is the dark side of fame.” She adds, “Over the years, I’ve learnt to ignore the muck and rubbish and just move forward. That’s the only way to stay sane.”    

The prevalent attitude extends to other aspects of life too. Celebrities like Shashi Kapoor and Rama Naidu got state funerals, but when India’s first female superstar was accorded the same respect, the move was questioned. “Sridevi brought about a change in an industry dominated by men and was the first to get paid more than male actors. She deserved the state honour and every other honour that a male superstar would’ve received.  We claim to have evolved into a modern, intelligent species but we’re still Neanderthals. Men and women are still judged on different parameters, especially when they’re actors because women are supposed to be a certain way. Men get away with a lot because our minds are conditioned to think that women are weaker and lesser mortals,” points out actress Apoorva Arora.

With inputs Anupama Subramanian and Pooja Salvi