Sooraj Barjatya on the Evolution of Women's Portrayal in Bollywood
Renowned filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, celebrated for crafting iconic romance and family dramas in Bollywood, has recently shared profound insights into the changing landscape of cinema. In a candid interview with Hindustan Times, Barjatya, whose last directorial venture was the 2015 film 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' starring Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor, opened up about the necessity of adapting storytelling to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Shifting Narratives: From Homemakers to Independent Women
Barjatya emphasized that the depiction of women solely as homemakers, a common theme in his 1990s hits like 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!', no longer aligns with today's societal realities. He explained that modern audiences may struggle to connect with such films because women's roles have evolved significantly, with many now pursuing careers and exhibiting greater independence. The director believes that cinema must reflect this transformation by presenting female characters with more depth, ambition, and individuality.
In his own words, Barjatya stated, "Where stories are concerned, if I think that the women will sit at home, that is over. You cannot make a 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' where everybody lives together, because it’s not possible today. But the values remain the same." This highlights his acknowledgment that while core family values persist, the portrayal of women must adapt to mirror their empowered status in society.
Transformation on Film Sets: A New Creative Dynamic
Barjatya also noted a significant shift in the composition of his film sets, revealing that they now feature more women than men. He contrasted this with his early career, where the only women present were typically actresses, their mothers, and hairdressers. This change, he believes, has positively impacted the creative process, bringing diverse energies and perspectives to filmmaking.
He elaborated, "The energies are different. The way to look into a scene is different. We never used to pay so much attention to costumes and production design. The number of kitchen sets and temples I have put on screen that no one else has. That is where women come in with new ideas." This underscores how increased female participation has enriched aspects like costume design and set production, leading to more nuanced and authentic storytelling.
Barjatya's Journey and Future Outlook
Since 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', Barjatya has diversified his work, including television series and the buddy adventure film 'Uunchai'. His reflections come at a time when Bollywood is increasingly embracing narratives that showcase women in multifaceted roles. By advocating for stronger and more independent female characters, Barjatya aligns with broader industry trends that prioritize gender equality and modern relevance in cinema.
This evolution in storytelling not only caters to new audience expectations but also fosters a more inclusive and dynamic film environment. As Barjatya continues to explore creative avenues, his insights serve as a testament to the ongoing transformation within Bollywood, where traditional values merge with contemporary realities to shape compelling narratives for generations to come.
