Fatima Sana Shaikh has opened up about the deep-rooted patriarchy and microaggressions women continue to face in the film industry and society at large. The actress addressed the issue at the trailer launch of her upcoming courtroom drama Hunkkaar – The Roar.
Speaking about how societal conditioning affects women regardless of their position or professional standing, Shaikh said, “Our beginning is two steps back. Whichever room you are in, whichever position you are in, power or hierarchy, it doesn’t matter. Because this is the conditioning of society. It’s not that we don’t deserve, we don’t know what we want, we are intelligent. But society is wired in such a way that it doesn’t give you a chance.”
She added, “It tells you, ‘wait a minute, prove yourself first.’”
The actress also stressed that patriarchy is not only perpetuated by men, as women can also internalise the same societal conditioning.
“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, describing the conditioning as “deeply ingrained.”
Recalling her own experiences in the film industry, Shaikh spoke about being in meetings for female-oriented projects where she would often 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 recalled.
She went on to describe the irony of having women-centric conversations while women’s own perspectives are sometimes dismissed. Shaikh said such situations can involve inappropriate jokes and mansplaining, including men attempting to explain to women how they should feel about violent crimes.
On dealing with such experiences, the actress said women need to learn to stand up for themselves and “fight.”
Shaikh will explore similar themes on screen in Hunkkaar, where she plays a no-nonsense police officer. The courtroom drama is produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment, in association with Priyanka Chopra’s Purple Pebble Pictures and Mangata Films Production. Directed by Karan D Kapadia and Nitya Mehra, Hunkkaar – The Roar is set to stream on JioHotstar from September 25.
