📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bollywood Hungama
Entertainment
Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh Speaks on Sexism in Bollywood
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 11 Sep 2026, 11:48 AM
👁 37
Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh has spoken candidly about the prevalence of sexism and patriarchal attitudes in the Indian film industry, urging a shift towards more inclusive practices.
In a recent interview, Fatima Sana Shaikh revealed that she has frequently encountered gender bias while working in the film industry. She highlighted situations where her ideas were dismissed or attributed to male colleagues, underscoring a broader pattern of sexism.
Shaikh emphasized that patriarchal norms not only affect on‑screen roles but also influence behind‑the‑scenes decisions, such as casting, script development, and remuneration. She called for industry stakeholders to adopt transparent hiring practices and to create safe spaces for women to voice concerns.
The actress noted that while some progress has been made, the pace remains slow. She urged filmmakers, producers, and audiences to support women’s stories and to hold the industry accountable for equal representation.
Shaikh’s remarks come at a time when several high‑profile women in Bollywood are speaking out about gender discrimination, signalling a growing momentum for systemic change.
Shaikh emphasized that patriarchal norms not only affect on‑screen roles but also influence behind‑the‑scenes decisions, such as casting, script development, and remuneration. She called for industry stakeholders to adopt transparent hiring practices and to create safe spaces for women to voice concerns.
The actress noted that while some progress has been made, the pace remains slow. She urged filmmakers, producers, and audiences to support women’s stories and to hold the industry accountable for equal representation.
Shaikh’s remarks come at a time when several high‑profile women in Bollywood are speaking out about gender discrimination, signalling a growing momentum for systemic change.