Shabana Azmi Condemns Item Numbers and the Objectification of Women in Indian Cinema
Veteran actor and social activist Shabana Azmi has once again voiced her strong concerns regarding the portrayal of women in Indian cinema, specifically targeting the pervasive culture of item numbers and the objectification they perpetuate. In a recent interview with Mojo Story, Azmi articulated her discomfort with how women are filmed on screen, emphasizing that the director's intent is often revealed through the camera's movement.
The Problem Lies in the Camera's Gaze
Shabana Azmi explained that in item numbers, women lose all control and surrender to the male gaze, effectively objectifying themselves. She pointed out that the way the camera pans over a woman's body determines the filmmaker's purpose. "How the camera moves over the body of a woman decides what the intention of the director is," Azmi stated. She expressed particular unease with some of the lyrics sung in these songs, describing them as extremely uncomfortable.
The acclaimed actor also challenged a common defense used to justify such performances. Many women argue, "If men can do such things, why can't we?" However, Azmi countered this reasoning by questioning why women should follow suit just because men are willing to be objectified. "I have a very big problem with that," she asserted, highlighting a need for critical reflection rather than imitation.
Item Numbers Exist Outside Narrative Contexts
Azmi noted that numerous item songs exist independently of a film's storyline, often serving as standalone pieces. "It's often a thing by itself," she remarked, indicating that these sequences are frequently inserted without narrative justification. This separation from plot further exacerbates their objectifying nature, as they prioritize visual appeal over character development or story progression.
Beyond filmmaking choices, Shabana Azmi expressed deep concern about societal reactions to such content. She cited examples of young children performing songs like 'Choli Ke Peeche' at events, with adults laughing and encouraging them. "So, you are falling into the trap that's been built for you," she warned, suggesting that this normalization perpetuates harmful stereotypes and behaviors from an early age.
Praising Sensitive Portrayals: Zoya Akhtar's Approach
In contrast to the criticized item numbers, Shabana Azmi commended filmmaker Zoya Akhtar for her sensitive and nuanced direction in the movie 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'. She highlighted a specific scene where Katrina Kaif's character, a diving instructor, emerges from the water wearing a bikini. Azmi praised Akhtar for using a long-shot during this moment, avoiding objectification.
"Here, the camera holds her in long-shot. Once she wears her bathrobe, the camera goes for a close-up," Azmi described. She emphasized that Akhtar could have easily chosen to objectify the character by focusing on her body, but instead, the director's approach portrayed her as a working professional. "The way she kept the camera made her into a working girl, doing what she had to do. You need that kind of sensitivity," Azmi concluded, advocating for more thoughtful and respectful representations of women in cinema.
