Road to liberation

As the nation is celebrating its 72nd Independence Day, it is day when we Indians mark the true colourful spirit of freedom in our own ways. While the country has come a long way, globally marching ahead in various fields, Independence is the mantra amongst the younger generation in realising their dreams and in turn contributing to the country’s success. While there has been a steady change in various fields which were once completely male dominant, women are breaking into it with their sheer dedication and hard work including the entertainment industry. On the occasion of Independence Day, Bengaluru Chronicle speaks to few independent actresses who share on how independent they feel in the present scenario and their favourite memories of August 15.

After making a cute entry in Kannada films with Chandralekha, she is now one of the top most heroines in Sandalwood. That’s not all, she has ever ventured in business with designer brand wear of her own. After Mufti’s huge hit, actress Shanvi Srivastava is awaiting the release of Avane Srimannarayana starring alongside Rakshit Shetty amongst scores of other project and has recently signed her latest , Nikhil which marks the entry of Suraj Kumar, who is a related to Kannada thespian late Dr. Rajkumar.

On Independence and more she shares: “Though women in India have progressed a lot, achieving greater heights in every possible field here and abroad, women are still being dominated by men. Unfortunately it’s true not just in film industry but everywhere including  corporate sectors. I feel it might be because of the ratio of population in the work field. Fortunately, I have not experienced male dominance in a negative way. Yes, audiences love their heroes but at the same time women who once distanced themselves from taking up technical roles barring a few are slowly making their presence felt. Being an actress I do feel bad when they talk about heroines as a commodity but there are people who really respect us. We have independence to express now, to take the film on our shoulders.”

She further adds that apart from movies she is also a businesswoman with a designer wear brand to her credit. “It makes me feel really proud. There is really nothing a woman can’t do. However, we still need some more freedom with regards to safety to survive in this society.”

Insofar celebrating Aug 15, she adds, “I have amazing memories of childhood when we all used to dress in white and celebrate Independence day in our school ground. Around 5000 students would gather for parade and cultural activities. My teachers involved me in all if it. When I wanted to head the parade but teachers also wanted me in the dance team, so I used to rush from one role to another It was my favorite time of the year when we used to skip classes for these activities.”

Actress Sanjjanaa Galrani, who is busy with her multilingual mega tele project Swarnakhadgam says, “I think we need to make our way out. Honesty, we need to stop blaming the industry over male dominance. Those days are gone. In the present scenario, it is only the gutsy ones who will survive as they will be able to create a market for themselves, and be the queen in female dominant films. It’s time to stop cribbing and be more liberated and most importantly be a fighter and make your own space. I am in an era, where I am witnessing a lot of women filmmakers technicians. It all boils down to positivity and brief one oneself.”

Actress Sukruta Waghale feels that male dominance is everywhere but there has been slight change since past few years where women are becoming more independent not just in the movie industry but in politics, business and such sectors. “However, there is always a sense of fear, and the independence is to be fully attained. Fortunately, thing are slowly changing. The Independence Day celebration has always been a special one. Apart from performing for patriotic songs and parades, we would take part in various other cultural activities.”

On being a free soul, she adds that she chose the industry to perceive her interest without being bound by other’s decision.

Actress Aditi Prabhudeva, who awaits the release of her film Bazaar directed by Simple Sink, wraps it up by recollecting that the month of August was full of celebration for her during her school days. “Fifteen days prior, we would start rehearsing for a dance programme. I, specially would collect all kinds of flags. It was nothing short of a festival,” she smiles.