📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bollywood Hungama
Entertainment
Manoj Bajpayee urges OTT boost for women‑led Bollywood films
✍️ Dailyhunt
🗓 01 Nov 2026, 05:11 AM
👁 14
Veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee told Dailyhunt that streaming platforms should champion more women‑centric movies in Bollywood.
Manoj Bajpayee, known for his powerful performances in films like Gangs of Wasseypur and the series The Family Man, discussed the current state of Indian entertainment in an interview with Dailyhunt. He highlighted how over‑the‑top (OTT) platforms have opened new avenues for storytelling beyond traditional cinema.
While acknowledging the growth of digital content, Bajpayee pointed out that projects led by women still struggle to secure equal prominence on these services. He observed that most high‑profile releases continue to centre male protagonists, limiting the reach of female‑driven narratives.
The actor urged producers and OTT curators to actively seek out and fund scripts that place women at the heart of the story. According to him, audience interest in strong, nuanced female characters is on the rise, and meeting this demand could expand viewership.
Bajpayee also suggested that a greater focus on women‑led films would enhance Bollywood’s global reputation, presenting Indian cinema as more inclusive and progressive. He called for a collaborative effort among creators, distributors and streaming platforms to ensure such stories find a place on mainstream screens.
In concluding, Bajpayee emphasized that sustained commitment from all industry stakeholders is essential to translate the growing appetite for women‑centric content into tangible opportunities for filmmakers.
While acknowledging the growth of digital content, Bajpayee pointed out that projects led by women still struggle to secure equal prominence on these services. He observed that most high‑profile releases continue to centre male protagonists, limiting the reach of female‑driven narratives.
The actor urged producers and OTT curators to actively seek out and fund scripts that place women at the heart of the story. According to him, audience interest in strong, nuanced female characters is on the rise, and meeting this demand could expand viewership.
Bajpayee also suggested that a greater focus on women‑led films would enhance Bollywood’s global reputation, presenting Indian cinema as more inclusive and progressive. He called for a collaborative effort among creators, distributors and streaming platforms to ensure such stories find a place on mainstream screens.
In concluding, Bajpayee emphasized that sustained commitment from all industry stakeholders is essential to translate the growing appetite for women‑centric content into tangible opportunities for filmmakers.