Farhan’s Open Letter Highlights Objectification of Women in Films
Farhan Akhtar points out the purpose of cinema as being more than just a form of entertainment.
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Farhan Akhtar wrote an open letter to his daughter about sexual assault in India. (Photo: Yogen Shah)
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Farhan Akhtar wrote a hard-hitting open letter to his daughter to talk about the reality of sexual assault in India.
Farhan raises the important point of objectification of women in cinema
You must also have seen movies in which the entire supporting cast conspires to help the ‘hero’ know the girl he’s interested in. They get together to help him (not her); they block her path wherever she goes. They conspire to bring them face to face, to the point where he’ll hold her, catch her dress, even jump on top of her in some instances. Such behaviour — which flies in the face of consent that I’ve always tried to talk to you about — has been normalised by movies.
Farhan Akhtar in his open letter
He also highlighted the culture of stalking women that has been “romanticised” in movies
Filmmaking process is more than just a form of entertainment
Our fans gather around us in the hundreds, even thousands, and they’re there because of our work, because they idolise us, because they’re in love with our screen image. That bestows on us a great sense of responsibility. I too, dear daughter, function in a field where, like you, I’m constantly battling for freedom of speech, of expression, of creative expression.
Farhan Akhtar in his open letter
Read the full letter on The Hindustan Times
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