The Female Gaze: A Catalyst for Change in Film and Television

The latest session of Maitri: Female First Collective showcased the crucial role of the female gaze in reshaping narratives and enriching portrayals on screen. Participants shared personal anecdotes illustrating how this perspective fosters complex and authentic representations of women in the entertainment industry.

Ananya Panday, stated, “Over time, I have become much more vocal about what I stand for. I know I can contribute and ask for changes when something doesn’t align with my beliefs. Today, I choose projects that portray real, flawed, but honest women, and I take responsibility to ensure my work reflects those beliefs. If I can make people feel comfortable in their own skin through my roles, then I’m happy.”

Kritika Kamra, Actor, highlighted the positive impact of streaming platforms, noting, “I’ve played a gangster—something I never thought I’d do. This is possible because the writing has changed, platforms are commissioning diverse shows, and audiences are accepting them.”

The panelists examined the evolving role of women in the industry, recognising increased opportunities to assert their voices and break through gender biases, resulting in more authentic female character portrayals. Ishita Moitra, Writer, remarked, “It’s about the perspectives you bring, not just gender. The younger generation, including men, is thinking differently, and this shift is already visible on screen, with much more to come in the next decade.”

Despite the progress, the panel acknowledged the ongoing gender imbalance. Tanuja Chandra, Director, expressed concern that positive change for female representation and equality in the industry is not occurring rapidly enough, while Namrata Rao, Editor, expressed delight in working with a female crew for her directorial debut, emphasising the need for more such initiatives. Faye D'Souza, Journalist, argued that true systemic change will only arise when it benefits everyone from lead actors to crew members. Smriti Kiran, Producer, concluded that continuous dialogue is vital for shifting mindsets and addressing industry imbalances.

Prime Video is dedicated to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in its content and productions, as well as with its partners in the creative community. Through the Maitri: Female First Collective, Prime Video aims to highlight the pivotal role women play in the entertainment sector.