BHUMI PEDNEKAR ON FEELING SECURE ON FILM SETS
- E2 Correspondent
- Nov 25, 2024
- 2 min read
The 55th International Film Festival of India becomes a platform for dialogue on women’s safety and the role of Indian cinema.
REDEFINING SAFETY ON SET
Amid the glitter and gravitas of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, actress Bhumi Pednekar shared a heartfelt perspective on women's safety within the film industry. Speaking at a panel discussion that brought together stalwarts like filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and actresses Khushboo Sundar and Suhasini Maniratnam, Pednekar revealed a sense of security she’s found in her profession.
“My debut film was really very special because the film truly questions the status quo,” said Pednekar. “Being born into a family that was fairly liberal, I didn’t know about the sexism that exists in the workplace until I started working. My father was against my decision to join the industry because he thought it’s a big, bad world. I wish he knew how safe and protective the world of cinema is. I feel safer on a film set than anywhere outside.”
IMTIAZ ALI ON RESPECT IN THE INDUSTRY
The conversation extended to issues like the casting couch, a harsh reality that often shadows the industry. Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, known for penning compelling female characters, offered a nuanced view.
“One cannot increase opportunities by compromising or giving in to the casting couch,” remarked Ali. “There’s no assurance that a project will come from that. In fact, such choices can harm a career. If a woman says no, standing up for her self-respect, it earns her respect. As a director, I have to respect the person I cast. Women shouldn’t be under the delusion that compromise guarantees success—it’s often the opposite.”
A CELEBRATION OF STORIES
Beyond these profound discussions, IFFI 2024 remains a global celebration of storytelling, featuring over 270 films from 81 countries. Alongside the festival, the bustling Film Bazaar provides a dynamic platform for filmmakers, buyers, and sellers to connect, showcasing works in various stages of production.
This year’s IFFI reminds us that cinema is not only a mirror to society but also a beacon of hope, where conversations about change can lead to tangible progress.