Female technicians in Kannada films challenging patriarchal mindset go beyond mere exploitation
On screen, they are ‘sheroes’. But, off it, women in the Kannada film industry are still struggling to find their space and voice, quite literally. On screen, their acting, costumes, make-up, hair...
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In the Kannada film industry, women are celebrated as 'sheroes' on screen, but face challenges off-screen as they strive to establish their presence and voice. While their performances and appearance are admired by audiences, the women working behind the scenes struggle to access basic facilities such as washrooms. Pay disparity is also a significant issue within the industry. Although there has been a noticeable increase in the number of women working on film sets in various roles like stylists, choreographers, and cinematographers, the industry infrastructure remains predominantly male-oriented, with little consideration for inclusivity. Female technicians face discrimination in the patriarchal system, particularly in the makeup industry where 'make-up dadas' hold dominance. Despite some progress, women in the industry still encounter everyday sexism in their work. Some have chosen to adapt to the situation in hopes of a brighter future, while others have opted to establish themselves independently.Female artists, including makeup artist Vydurya Lokesh, are often undervalued and relegated to smaller projects, according to a screenplay writer. Producers frequently question if a script is focused on women, perpetuating the misconception that women are only suited for certain types of films. This perspective limits opportunities for women in the industry, with some even being advised to feature a male director's name to attract audiences. Furthermore, female professionals in roles such as styling face challenges such as lack of access to basic amenities on sets and being labeled as demanding. While the industry has made strides towards inclusivity, there remains a gap in providing fundamental support for women in the field.There is a need for greater representation of female voices in the entertainment industry, according to voiceover artist Sparsha RK. She points out that women often have fewer speaking roles in films, leading to less work opportunities for female dubbing artists compared to their male counterparts. Sparsha also highlights the lack of women-centric films and solo songs featuring female singers in recent times. She advocates for the inclusion of more women's voices on screen.