Published 20:48 IST, November 18th 2019
#MeToo: Malaika Arora opens up on changes in industry, praises steps in 'right direction'
Malaika Arora opened up on changes in post-#MeToo era. She said item songs being done away with and talk on pay parity and safe working conditions were crucial.
When a movement leaves the alleged offenders almost 'boycotted', one can state that it has been a significant movement. The #MeToo movement, that became the most talked topic in Bollywood around October last year, brought several well-known names under attack. A united stand from most members of the industry in not working with those accused of sexual misconduct was seen as one of the most significant steps taken in B-Town in recent times. While the movement lost steam later on, it was not just sexual misconduct that was called out and acted upon. According to Malaika Arora, the movement ignited debate and steps in multiple directions. She says be it item songs, pay disparity or safe working conditions, the changes in the post #Metoo era made women feel more powerful.
In a recent interview with a leading daily, Malaika said this was the best time to be a part of the industry. She stated that women over 40, like her, now have many options to choose from, unlike before, when they used to be considered ‘reduntant’ after a while. The 46-year-old said that women in this age group are freer today and some of them enjoy the best phase of their professional life.
She also credited the #MeToo movement for creating a positive change. Malaika said there was now a ‘healthy conversation’ over the need for safer working environment for women and pay parity. She also credited the male stars for speaking up for the women to be paid the same as the men. Malaika also said item songs were being done away with, as these were all steps in the right direction so that women could feel more powerful. The Chaiyya Chaiyaa star said powerful characters women were portraying today was a testimony to this fact. She exulted over women also ‘killing it’ with their performances of late, after the male stars enjoying demi-god status all this while.
Professional front
On the professional front, Malaika’s last appearance in films was the track Hello Hello in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Pataakha last year. She has also been seen as a judge on shows like India’s Got Talent and India’s Next Top Model. Moreover, she launched her yoga studio a few weeks ago.
Updated 21:02 IST, November 18th 2019