DIRTY PICTURE

In this age of consumerism, it was only expected that woman too would be treated as a commodity and that too with unabashed shame. But what is shocking is the complete ignorance displayed by women who have been chosen by the media to epitomize the “ Come of age woman” . So, here we have an otherwise petite actor dressed up asif for a costume drama share her views about women who have “come to terms with their sexuality”.

I always thought that the lack of ability to look beyond sex was attributed to the MANkind. Women were more sensitive creatures and for the information of the fire brand host who was conducting a talk show about “the dirty picture” and the other movies of the ilk. Even the people invited to share their views were the typical media darlings ever ready to shock without any substance whatsoever. I always thought that a human being is an evolved form of an animal. It’s only a human being who has the power to exercise will and choice; a will and choice to rise above the animal. So, would the complete surrender to the baser instincts of procreation or to titillate to that end be considered as something to make a song and dance about?


Maybe I am old and jaded but I have always seen strong women around me. Both my Grandmas were strong in their own way, my mother is even today is more broadminded and non-judgmental than I am. As a teenager, I remember watching Nutan in Bandini and I said to myself here is a complete woman. Later on, I marveled the strength displayed by Shabana….whom I consider an Institution. I must say she is the only actor who can smile- only - with her eyes. The way she portrays the strength of a woman makes being a woman a very special feeling. Whether it is the mother who conquers the woman in Masoom, the free woman in Arth, the woman who defeats an indulgent mother in Godmother, the woman who is unapologetic about sexual gratification in Fire and the wife who actually hits her husband literally below the belt with a one liner in Mrityudand……..every bit the symbol of a strong woman who is aware of her body and is more aware of her strength as a woman.


The Indian cinema has surely become a little brazen and yes it is selling as of now. So, all emotions that is raw, unabashed and blatant is welcome to a generation that has just become comfortable using the language that is being bombarded on us through the Hollywood and the sitcoms. So, today when an Indian hears desi abuses on the screen it is their way of getting to terms with Hollywood…..well, "so can we" syndrome. In fact our American counterparts look rather boring with their much used abuses as compared to the desi variety. Some of the abuses have been celebrated as songs and as expected are at the top of the charts.


But in this entire market driven dynamics, like always women are the losers who with their “in the face” sexuality have actually pushed themselves a little more closer to become a mere commodity.