Swara Bhaskar Archives

Step Up, Saroj Khan: Stop Defending Bollywood’s Dirty Dancing

Three-time National Award-winner and arguably Bollywood’s most respected choreographer, Saroj Khan defended the casting couch today. In doing so, she singlehandedly put the film industry light years behind in ensuring that it can also be a safe workplace for actresses.

Poulomi Das July 23, 2016

Pop Culture

How to Make a Show about “Liberated” Women. Just Talk Sex, What Else?

Bhaag Beanie Bhaag gives in to the same stereotype like Veere Di Wedding and Four More Shots Please! Its lead characters are devoid of depth, and their “open-mindedness” only means that they can talk boldly about sex.

Sahej Marwah June 12, 2016

Pop Culture

Anaarkali and the Assumptions of Availability

Anaarkali of Arrah is relevant to every woman engaged in a profession where being attractive is mandatory. To men, the fact that they've paid for a service, extends to them having paid for the woman's company.

Poulomi Das March 31, 2016

Bollywood

Bollywood Mamas: A Little Less Farida Jalal, a Little More Ratna Pathak Shah Please

In between Nirupa Roy’s martyred mom and Farida Jalal’s laissez-faire approach to parenthood, very few Bollywood films have dared to narrate stories of motherhood with the nuance and sensitivity —and sometimes the humour — they deserve.

Runjhun Noopur March 27, 2016