Renowned Bollywood makeup and hair artist Namrata Soni has recently shared the significant challenges and resistance she encountered while establishing herself in an industry that was predominantly controlled by men. With over two decades of experience working with A-list celebrities, Soni's journey reveals the harsh realities faced by women breaking gender barriers in Indian cinema.
The Early Struggles Against Industry Bias
Namrata Soni, who began her career in the early 2000s, recalled being among the first female makeup artists in Bollywood. "I must have been maybe the second female makeup artist in the industry. It was dominated by men. And it was very scary," she revealed during an interview with ANI. The artist described how the industry traditionally followed a "makeup dada and hair didi" system, creating significant barriers for women aspiring to work as makeup professionals.
The resistance wasn't merely professional but extended to organized harassment. Film unions would regularly appear on sets to protest her presence and fine producers for hiring a woman makeup artist. The situation became so severe that producers were pressured to hide female artists in vanity vans during shoots. The hostility even extended to personal threats, with Soni's mother receiving frightening voicemails warning that her daughter's hands would be cut off if she continued working in Film City.
Celebrity Support and Legal Battles
Despite the overwhelming opposition, Namrata Soni found crucial support from several Bollywood celebrities who believed in her talent. She fought a landmark legal battle in the Supreme Court advocating for women makeup artists' rights, a case that would eventually help open doors for future generations of female artists.
One particularly memorable instance involved an unnamed male actor who stood up for her against the union. "He called the union, asked me to keep quiet, and just hear them out," Soni recalled. The union members, both men and women, expressed their traditional views that hairdressing should remain a female domain while makeup artistry should be reserved for men.
Throughout her career, Soni received tremendous support from prominent figures including Sonam Kapoor, Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Farah Khan, Sameera Reddy, and Preity Zinta, all of whom actively championed women working with women in the industry.
Farah Khan's Crucial Intervention
A defining moment in Soni's career came during the production of the 2007 blockbuster 'Om Shanti Om'. When someone attempted to replace her on the project, director Farah Khan intervened decisively. "Farah was like 'Can anybody do what she's doing for Om Shanti Om? If they can, I won't take her,'" Soni shared, emphasizing how this support proved instrumental in establishing her credibility.
She described Farah Khan as "one of the only women in my career who supported me right from the beginning as a woman makeup artist." This endorsement not only secured her position on the project but also created opportunities for other women aspiring to enter the field.
Recognition and Legacy
Namrata Soni's perseverance and talent have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award and an IIFA award for her ageing makeup work in 'Om Shanti Om'. Her career, spanning over twenty years, has seen her create iconic red carpet looks for celebrities like Sonam Kapoor and Rani Mukerji while working regularly with Bollywood's biggest stars.
Today, Soni stands as one of Bollywood's leading makeup artists, having redefined beauty standards and paved the way for future generations of female artists in an industry that once systematically excluded them from technical roles behind the camera.
