The question of whether societal expectations placed on women are protective or patriarchal has resurfaced following veteran actress Zeenat Aman's sharing of a scene from her 1980 film, Dostana. The scene in question features Aman's character, Sheetal, being harassed on a beach while wearing swimwear. After confronting her harasser and bringing him to the police, she is then berated by Amitabh Bachchan's character, Inspector Vijay, for her choice of clothing, with him implying that she invited the harassment.
Aman has used this clip to spark a discussion about the patriarchal attitudes prevalent in the 70s and 80s and how much, or how little, has changed since then. Sheetal's response in the film is firm: her clothing is her choice, and outdated moral codes should not dictate her freedom. This stance directly challenges the notion of victim-blaming, a concept that, while still present, has faced increasing condemnation in modern society.
The dichotomy presented by Bachchan's character highlights the core of the debate: is the criticism intended to protect women from potential harm, or does it stem from a patriarchal mindset that seeks to control women's choices and bodies? Some might argue that such concerns arise from a place of genuine care, a desire to shield women from unwanted attention or even danger. This perspective suggests that advising women to dress "modestly" is a practical safety measure.
However, critics of this viewpoint contend that it places the onus of preventing harassment on women rather than addressing the root cause: the behavior of harassers. By suggesting that a woman's clothing can provoke harassment, it perpetuates the idea that men are not fully responsible for their actions and that women must modify their behavior to avoid becoming targets. This argument aligns with feminist perspectives that challenge restrictive social norms imposed on women.
The incident also brings into focus the evolving nature of societal values. What was once considered acceptable, or even protective, can later be recognized as oppressive. Zeenat Aman's decision to revisit this scene from Dostana underscores the importance of re-evaluating past behaviors and attitudes in light of contemporary values. It serves as a reminder that progress requires continuous dialogue and a willingness to challenge ingrained societal norms.
It is important to note that Jaya Bachchan, Amitabh's wife, has also recently made headlines for remarks regarding paparazzi professionalism. While seemingly unrelated, these instances collectively highlight ongoing discussions about respect, personal choices, and the balance between public expectations and individual freedom. Furthermore, Amitabh Bachchan has faced criticism for not publicly praising his wife, Jaya Bachchan, and daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Rai, as much as he praises his son, Abhishek. He responded to this criticism by stating that he praises the women in his life in his heart and that not doing so publicly is a sign of respect.
Ultimately, the "swimsuit" controversy, sparked by Zeenat Aman's revisiting of Dostana, provides a valuable opportunity to examine the complexities surrounding patriarchal mindsets and protective instincts. It encourages a critical assessment of societal expectations placed on women and whether these expectations truly serve to protect or, instead, perpetuate harmful stereotypes and restrict individual autonomy. The conversation prompted by this scene highlights the ongoing need for dialogue and change in the pursuit of a more equitable and just society.
