Smita Patil, a celebrated actress known for her powerful performances and commitment to women's issues, was also a vocal critic of Bollywood's portrayal of women. In a resurfaced interview, Patil dissected the film industry's inherent flaws in its often regressive storytelling. She questioned the objectification of women and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes that require women to suffer to be considered worthy.
Patil, who appeared in over 80 films in a career spanning just over a decade, often portrayed characters that defied the conventional image of women in Indian cinema. She was known for choosing roles that showcased the trials and tribulations of Indian women, as well as their inner strength. At a time when filmmakers and audiences were still debating whether women were allowed to have morally complex characters, Patil emerged with films such as 'Bhumika,' 'Bazaar,' 'Mandi,' 'Arth,' 'Umbartha' and 'Mirch Masala'.
In an interview with Doordarshan, Patil spoke about how commercial Bollywood films often portray women as foolish, perpetually suffering, or half-naked. She critiqued the industry's tendency to objectify women's bodies without giving them a voice or contributing to meaningful narratives. Patil also addressed the practice of using women's bodies to attract viewers, stating, "Hero ko toh nanga dikha nahi sakte, usse kuch hone nahi waala hai. Lekin aurat ko nanga dikhaye toh unko lagta hai 100 log aur aajayenge. Hindustan ki audience par yeh baat force ki gayi hai ki dekhiye ji ismein sex hai, aadhe nange shareer hai toh aap film dekhne ke liye aaiye. Yeh ek aisi attitude bann gayi hai jo bhut galat hai. Film agar kuch sache dil se baat keh rahi hai toh voh chalegi. Sirf aisi posters se film chalti nahi hai (You can't show a hero naked—nothing is going to happen then. But if a woman is shown naked, they think it will attract 100 more viewers. The audience in India has been conditioned to think that if a film has sex and semi-nude bodies, they should go and watch it. This is a wrong attitude. A film will work if it says something from the heart. Films don't work just because of such posters)".
When asked about her poster from the film Chakra, where she is seen bathing, Patil said that she would never have allowed it to be released if it had been in her control. She believed that the audience is not stupid and that emotional films with strong family structures resonate more than films that rely on nudity.
Smita Patil was not only an actress but also an active feminist and a member of the Women's Centre in Mumbai. She was committed to advancing women's issues and endorsed films that explored the role of women in traditional Indian society, their sexuality, and the challenges faced by middle-class women in urban settings. Patil's film roles often represented intelligent femininity, standing in contrast to the male-dominated cinema of the time. She portrayed women as capable and empowered, breaking gender stereotypes.
Smita Patil's legacy extends beyond her acting career. Her outspokenness and commitment to portraying strong, independent women continue to inspire conversations about gender representation in Bollywood and the importance of authentic narratives.
