Nushrratt Bharuccha has recently opened up about the challenges and inequalities she has faced in Bollywood, shedding light on the biases that exist within the industry, particularly against female actors and those without strong industry connections. In a recent interview, Bharuccha spoke candidly about instances where she was replaced by the "flavor of the season," emphasizing the struggles of being an outsider without the advantages of being a star kid.
Bharuccha revealed that early in her career, she experienced unequal treatment, particularly concerning travel arrangements. She recounted instances where she was made to fly in economy class with technicians, while her male co-stars and other actors enjoyed the comfort of business class. Despite offers from friends in business class to join them, she declined, choosing to remain where she was assigned, viewing it as a matter of principle. This experience motivated her to strive for a level in her career where such amenities would be provided to her by default.
The actress also addressed the gender biases prevalent in Bollywood, where male actors often receive preferential treatment. She recalled situations where male co-stars benefited from superior facilities, such as better vanity vans and easier access to washrooms, while she faced challenges accessing similar comforts. "There have been times when I went around asking, 'Can I use the hero's vanity van for 5 minutes? He's not here anyway. Can I use the washrooms?' Because they are nicer than mine," she shared. Instead of complaining, Bharuccha used these moments as motivation to propel herself to a level where she would receive these basic comforts without having to ask.
Bharuccha highlighted the disparity in opportunities available to male and female actors after delivering a hit film. She pointed out that male actors, whether insiders or outsiders, typically receive multiple offers immediately after a successful film. In contrast, female actors often continue to struggle for meaningful roles, even after proving their box office worth. She has been vocal about this imbalance since her Pyaar Ka Punchnama days, emphasizing that female actors simply desire a few strong opportunities to choose from after a hit, a luxury not as readily available to them as it is to their male counterparts.
Nushrratt also shared a particularly disheartening experience where her talent agency dropped her shortly after she delivered one of the biggest box office hits of her career. This left her without work for nearly two years. She recounted being called in for a coffee meeting with her manager, only to be told that the agency could no longer represent her. This news was devastating, and she confessed to crying silently into her coffee after the meeting. For almost two years, she had no work and no team to represent her, leading to feelings of isolation in an industry that often values constant visibility. While the public assumed she was carefully selecting her next projects, she was struggling emotionally and professionally.
Bharuccha also reflected on the advantages that star kids have in the industry, noting that they have easier access to industry networks and opportunities. She acknowledged that while she doesn't resent those with familial connections, it is a practical reality that they can reach places and knock on doors that she doesn't even know exist. She contrasted her career trajectory with those of Sonakshi Sinha and Shraddha Kapoor, who debuted around the same time but had the advantage of industry connections. Despite these challenges, Nushrratt expressed gratitude for filmmakers who trusted her talent and provided her with opportunities.
Despite the setbacks and biases she has faced, Nushrratt Bharuccha remains committed to her craft and continues to advocate for equal opportunities for women in Bollywood. Her willingness to speak out about her experiences helps to bring awareness to the systemic issues that need to be addressed in the industry.
