No POLL dance for the ladies

It’s election time in the state as the stage is set for politicians to announce their assurances and promises to the hapless voters. And in as much as one hopes for a change, all of them are set to return to voters only for the next elections, for the power of it all! One such all-time assurance has always been the representation of women in politics. Kannada movie Hebbettu Ramakka which revolves around the similar state of affairs when it comes to women entering politics.

The film has been selected as the ‘Best Kannada film’ in the latest national film awards. Actress-turned-politician Thara, who portrays the protagonist role of Ramakka speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle on the award-winning movie and the larger picture of women in politics — which is dismal if recent reports are anything to go by.

“The film is not just close to reality but a relevant subject when it comes to the empowerment of women in the true sense. It was a challenging role to portray, as the entire tale revolves around Ramakka, an innocent and illiterate woman who  eventually fights the system on her own. Moreover, it is not an art film but an entertainment or commercial movie with good humour along with song and dance,” says Thara.

Talking about real politics, Thara explains that there are several factors which had lead to the situation to remain more or less the same in Indian politics when it comes to women representation.

“Though most political parties talk big about women representation in politics, nothing drastic has happened and the ground reality remains the same. When it comes to giving responsibility to women, especially in contesting elections, the parties take a back seat. They do not like to spend money on women candidates,” she adds.

This is the case with the protagonist Ramakka too, the actress reveals that the character reflects our present scenario. “An innocent and illiterate wife who is elected to the Zilla Panchayat is taken for a ride by her own husband. She later realises her shortcomings and starts to learn and write.”

Even the manner in which women are treated in politics, and how men behave, and their constant use of foul language, is one of the main reasons why women stay away from politics, she feels, adding that ever since she has been in politics, she has restricted her silver screen appearances. 

“Apart from three commercial movies, I have rarely taken up any new Kannada movie especially with my child at home, and being busy in active politics, it has become difficult to manage all simultaneously,” she adds.

The actress who bagged the national award for best actress category for her performance in Hasina, is married to renowned cinematographer HC Venugopal. She was in the new when she delivered a baby boy at the age of 48, last year with the help of IVF.

With her ongoing project Savitribai, a biopic based on the life of Savitribai Phule, Thara wraps up saying that the audience has been accepting good movies, irrespective of genre and that is a good sign for the industry.