Asserting that the industry has to take strides to enhance the portrayal of female characters, Zoya Hussain on why it took her a while to return to screen with Manoj Bajpayee’s Bhaiyya Ji.
Just four short days after watching Manoj Bajpayee’s striking performance in “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,” actress Zoya Hussain found herself being offered a role in his upcoming production venture, “Bhaiyaa Ji.” Despite receiving critical acclaim for her performances in projects like “Grahan” (2021) and “Laal Kaptaan” (2019), Hussain’s appearances on the silver screen have been sporadic. “I am not picky,” Hussain clarifies, recognizing the label often attached to her due to her selective performances. “Since my debut film, ‘Mukkabaaz’ in 2017, I have been typecast into similar roles. The opportunities that arise for me do so naturally. Manoj sir saw my film, recognized my talent, and offered me the part,” she explains. Nevertheless, she has turned down mainstream roles when they relegated her character to the periphery. “Those films had nothing for me to do. I am not exclusively seeking female-oriented films, but I do desire roles that are character-driven.”
Although details of her role in Bajpayee’s upcoming film remain under wraps, Hussain assures audiences that her character is far from being a stereotypical “subservient girl.”
Continuing her critique of the portrayal of women in Bollywood, Hussain notes that female characters are often pigeonholed into two categories: sexy glamor or damsel in distress. “When our writers create these characters, they attempt to fit women into these narrow molds. Writing needs to be more diverse. For decades, we’ve catered to the male gaze—the protagonist is almost always a man, and women are added merely as an afterthought. There are no well-rounded female characters. While there has been some progress with more nuanced female characters, we have now stereotyped the ‘independent woman’—who is often depicted as someone who smokes, drinks, and rebels.”
Reflecting on her career trajectory, Hussain admits that she faced certain disadvantages due to not having made a significant impact early on. “My major works were released during the COVID-19 pandemic and went largely unnoticed.
. It’s taking longer for me to achieve success compared to people with modeling backgrounds or industry connections. I’ve faced struggles during the casting process.” She recalls an incident where a female studio-head told her, “You are dusky and curvy; you’ll be in indie-type movies.” This comment still angers her. “In our industry, discussions about being inclusive of different colors and sizes are superficial. That needs to change.”
Despite these challenges, Hussain remains resolute in her pursuit of meaningful roles. “I am not in a hurry to take on just any project. I want to portray characters that have depth and significance. It’s important to continue advocating for better representation of women in cinema.”
The conversation around inclusivity and representation in Bollywood is one that cannot be brushed aside, especially in an industry as influential as Indian cinema. Hussain’s experiences shed light on the long-standing issues that continue to plague the portrayal of female characters on screen. Whether it’s the reductionist approach to female roles or the superficial discussions around inclusivity, Hussain’s insights call for a necessary overhaul in the way female narratives are crafted.
Manoj Bajpayee himself has been a torchbearer for nuanced storytelling, and his decision to cast Hussain in “Bhaiyaa Ji” hints at a potential shift in the narrative landscape. Hussain’s firm stance on choosing roles that offer more than just a decorative presence is a testament to her commitment to changing the status quo.
In conclusion, as Bollywood slowly but surely paves the way for better female representation, actors like Zoya Hussain play a crucial role in championing this cause. By refusing to settle for underwritten characters and advocating for more substantial roles, Hussain exemplifies resilience and the need for conscious evolution in storytelling within the film industry. As audiences, it’s essential to support and promote diverse narratives that go beyond the traditional binaries, fostering a cinematic environment that truly represents the myriad of women’s experiences and stories.
With projects like “Bhaiyaa Ji,” there’s a glimmer of hope that Bollywood will gradually transition into an era where female characters are afforded the complexity and integral roles they rightfully deserve.
