Konkona Sensharma Reveals Harsh Truths of Bollywood: ‘Discrimination Based on Caste, Class and Gender Rampant on Film Sets’
Konkona Sensharma Reveals Harsh Truths of Bollywood: 'Discrimination Based on Caste, Class and Gender Rampant on Film Sets'
The actress highlights deep-rooted inequalities and harassment in the film industry, citing the mistreatment of women and discrimination based on social standing.
Bollywood actress Konkona Sensharma has shed light on the grim realities of the Indian film industry, revealing shocking details of widespread discrimination and harassment on film sets. In a candid interview on YouTube channel, Konkona exposed how caste, class and gender biases dictate how people are treated in the industry. Her revelations have sparked discussions about the deep-seated inequalities that persist behind the glitz and glamour of Bollywood.
Konkona explained that, while the film industry is often considered patriarchal, the discrimination goes beyond gender. She shared that not only women but also people of different castes and classes face unfair treatment. According to her, a person’s social standing can determine where they are allowed to sit, what they are allowed to eat and even where their bathroom is located on set. She stated, “There is discrimination even in food and drink… who is allowed to sit where and what they are allowed to eat.”
Highlighting the plight of women, Konkona revealed that female actors who are not senior in the industry are often treated like “furniture” on set, with little respect or consideration given to their presence. She elaborated, “If someone is not a senior actor, they are pushed around. These are the little things you see everywhere.”
Konkona’s statements came to light after the findings of the Justice Hema Committee Report, which was formed to investigate issues related to sexual exploitation and gender equality in the Malayalam film industry. The committee’s findings have revealed numerous instances of harassment, and many actresses across different film industries have come forward to share their experiences.
Regarding sexual harassment on film sets, Konkona pointed out that many instances go unreported due to fear of retaliation, especially when the perpetrators are highly respected members of the fraternity. “There is no record of sexual harassment on the sets because people are afraid,” she said, underlining the toxic culture of silence and fear that pervades the industry.
Konkona’s revelations have sparked an important conversation about the systemic discrimination in Bollywood, adding to the ongoing discourse about the treatment of women, caste and class-based inequities in the workplace. As the film industry continues to grapple with these issues, many hope that such conversations will lead to meaningful change.
Meanwhile, Konkona Sensharma will soon be seen in Anurag Basu’s upcoming film, Metro In Dino, alongside an ensemble cast including Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Pankaj Tripathi and Neena Gupta. The film, set for release on September 13, is a contemporary tale exploring the complex emotions and relationships of modern-day life, with a soundtrack by Pritam designed to elevate the emotional experience of the film.
