In an industry that thrives on blockbusters and big names, the playing field is anything but level—especially for women. Nushrratt Bharuccha, celebrated for her compelling roles in films like Chhorii and Pyaar Ka Punchnama, has ignited a much-needed discussion by candidly addressing the sexism and double standards that continue to haunt Bollywood.
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Join Telegram ChannelDuring a recent chat, Nushrratt opened up about her personal experiences, shedding light on the subtle yet significant ways male and female actors are treated differently on set. From receiving inferior vanity vans to being booked in economy class on international flights while her male co-stars enjoy business class, these disparities are more than just symbolic—they’re systemic. She recounted instances where she had to borrow a male co-actor’s vanity van just to access a cleaner restroom, underscoring how basic respect and dignity are often withheld from women in the industry.
But it goes beyond the vanity vans and flight classes; there’s a deeper issue at play: the lack of equal professional opportunities. “After just one hit, a male actor—whether an insider or outsider—gets bombarded with offers. That’s not the case for women,” she emphasized, echoing sentiments that many actresses have quietly expressed for years, but few have voiced so openly. According to her, even after proving herself with successful films, the doors don’t swing open as quickly or widely for her as they do for her male counterparts.
Nushrratt’s candidness isn’t about seeking pity—it’s about advocating for fairness. Her words stem from years of resilience and quiet determination, not bitterness. “I tell myself I’ll reach a point where I won’t have to ask for these things anymore—they’ll just come,” she shared, a sentiment that resonates with many ambitious women navigating male-dominated fields.
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What she’s asking for isn’t special treatment, but a fair chance. Just like any actor with a successful film under their belt, she wants the opportunity to choose her next project from a range of solid offers—not to be left waiting indefinitely.
Nushrratt’s remarks serve as a crucial reminder for an industry that often boasts about its progressive values while still clinging to outdated gender biases. It goes beyond just screen time or equal pay—it’s about earning respect, gaining recognition, and having the opportunity to succeed without having to struggle twice as hard. Her bravery in voicing these concerns could spark the much-needed change we’ve been waiting for, but it also raises an important question: how many more setbacks will it take for Bollywood to truly treat women as equals?
