Shah Rukh Khan, Salman ‘stood by my side’ when female make-up artists were banned; Namrata Soni says Katrina Kaif and more were willing to fight for her

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As a fervent admirer of the resilience and tenacity displayed by individuals within the Bollywood industry, I find Namrata Soni’s journey to be nothing short of inspiring. Her unwavering determination to pursue her passion as a makeup artist despite facing adversity is truly commendable.

Bollywood has always had each other’s back in the toughest times – be it crew standing for the cast, makers backing their staffs, and actors fighting for backend artists. This is what makes Hindi cinema a wholesome industry to grow and thrive in. Makeup artist Namrata Soni is one of them who recently opened up about how she was also backed by A-listers including Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan when a ban was imposed on female make-up artists in Bollywood.

In conversation with ANI, Namrata reminisced about the time when she had to argue with the union in order to be allowed to work after a ban on women as MUA (Make-Up Artist Union). “I was clueless about how to proceed,” she admitted. “I remember I worked at Film City and my parents received menacing phone calls warning, ‘If your daughter continues being a make-up artist, we will sever her hands’,” Namrata shared. This occurred even in India, a country that boasted of secularism loudly, with a female president at the helm.

Namrata reminisced about a harrowing incident involving the union, when the producers instructed her to seek safety in the dressing room during an unsettling confrontation on set. Fortunately, as the Makeup Artist Union bravely defended herself, numerous A-list celebrities such as Farah Khan, Karan Johar, Sonam Kapoor, Sameera Reddy, and Katrina Kaif stepped forward to protect her. “I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such incredible individuals like Farah Khan, Karan Johar, Sonam Kapoor, Sameera Reddy, and Katrina Kaif who stood by me,” Namrata shared.

The stars openly declared, “Yes, we choose to collaborate with her. We are ready to back her up and even confront challenges together whenever the union calls for action on set.” Soni went on to say, “I consider myself fortunate. I had figures like Shah Rukh and Salman by my side…I feel incredibly grateful. I’m happy that I stood firm.” It was in 2014 when the Indian Supreme Court abolished all legal limitations against women in the film industry workforce.

Namrata went on to express her heartfelt thanks for the lifting of the ban, as well as for the welcoming attitude and advocacy efforts by the beauty industry in support of the rights of women Makeup Artists (MUAs).

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2024-09-22 10:37