Fatima Sana Shaikh Calls Out Deep-Rooted Patriarchy In Film Industry

MUMBAI-Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh has talked about facing sexism and deeply rooted patriarchal attitudes in the film industry, saying women often have to fight against societal conditioning to make their voices heard.

Speaking at the trailer launch of her upcoming release ‘Hunkkaar—The Roar,’ the actress said patriarchy cannot be blamed solely on men, as women are also part of a system that has been deeply ingrained in society.

“Patriarchy is not only the fault of men. There are also women in it. They are also included. It internalizes. And we are all born in the same conditioning. And we have to fight it,” she said, acknowledging that it is “deeply ingrained.”

Shaikh recalled being in meetings where she was presented with stories about women trying to find their voice, only to find herself as the only woman in the room.

“Even I have been in such rooms, where you go to a room, the producer tells you that this is a mind-blowing film for you. Then, the role is of a woman who is trying to find a voice,” she said.

She highlighted the irony of discussing a woman’s experience while the only woman in the room may not be given a voice herself.

“The irony is that when you try to say something, she won’t appreciate it. She can’t handle it. And then, she will make weird jokes, or she will mansplain. Because she will tell us how women feel when there is a violent crime. She will tell us that actually, it’s not that bad. It’s like this,” she said.

Shaikh said the way to deal with such situations is to “learn to stand up for yourself and fight.”

Meanwhile, Fatima plays a no-nonsense police officer in the upcoming courtroom drama ‘Hunkkaar—The Roar.’ It is scheduled to stream on JioHotstar from September 25. (IANS)