Imtiaz Ali cites Kareena Kapoor Khan’s example to explain how women used to be ‘treated with respect’ in film industry; ‘There were three lightmen…’

Imtiaz Ali cites Kareena Kapoor Khan's example to explain how women used to be 'treated with respect' in film industry; 'There were three lightmen…’

As a lifestyle expert with a keen eye for cinema and its makers, I find Imtiaz Ali to be a breath of fresh air in Bollywood. His unique perspective on gender equality, stemming from his upbringing surrounded by strong, intelligent women, is commendable. The way he integrates these experiences into his storytelling is truly inspiring.


Imtiaz Ali, a well-known director in the Indian film industry, Bollywood, frequently expresses his opinions about cinema and its evolution. Lately, this filmmaker has spoken up on establishing a work environment that is both safe and respectful for women, enabling them to fully concentrate on their craft. To illustrate his point, he referred to an instance from when he collaborated with Kareena Kapoor on the film “Jab We Met”.

At the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Imtiaz Ali had a chat and shared thoughts about his childhood filled with powerful and intelligent females. This influence carried over into his filmmaking career, causing him to craft narratives based on his personal experiences, often centering around women such as his mother and neighbors.

Ali shared that the power struggle he observed between his parents at home shaped his perspective on gender equality and relationships. He articulated this by saying, “In our household dynamics, it wasn’t about gender. My mother was exceptionally intelligent, often outsmarting us. The women I grew up around—my sisters, friends, and teachers—were all highly intelligent and inspiring.

Additionally, he pointed out that he has long viewed women as ‘unique’, and as he moved from rural areas to urban centers and cinema, he found himself admiring the respectful portrayal of women in the Indian film industry over time.

Calling the Hindi film industry a safe place for women, he stated, “Believe me, the film industry in Bombay is remarkable in how it treats women. In a unit of 200 people, the level of respect and safety for women is profound.” 

To emphasize his views, he recounted an incident while filming Jab We Met with Kareena Kapoor. He recalled that during one of the scenes, the actress lay on top of a berth while the crew of 3 men were arranging lights around her for the shot. He felt concerned for her and asked if she was okay with her, but she didn’t understand it and lied at ease. He mentioned, “There were three lightmen hovering around her, adjusting the lights, and she didn’t feel the slightest discomfort. And this wasn’t an isolated incident.”

In a different way of saying: The director of Luv Aaj Kal acknowledged that the Bollywood film industry had always held deep respect for women, even in challenging situations where things usually went smoothly. He admired this aspect. However, he expressed his sadness over the current incidents of misconduct, scandals, and poor treatment of women within the film industry.

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2024-11-21 18:09