On the eve of International Women’s Day, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) 2025 weekend commenced with a powerful and insightful discussion, “The Journey of Women in Cinema,” featuring Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit and acclaimed producer Guneet Monga. The session, held in Jaipur, served as a poignant reminder of both the strides made and the persistent hurdles faced by women in the Indian film industry.
Dixit, a veteran whose career spans decades, reflected on the stark contrast between the industry’s landscape then and now. “Earlier, women on sets were primarily hairdressers and actresses,” she recalled, highlighting the limited roles available. Today, she observed, women are making their mark in every department, from directing and cinematography to production and editing.
Dixit, a veteran whose career spans decades, reflected on the stark contrast between the industry’s landscape then and now. “Earlier, women on sets were primarily hairdressers and actresses,” she recalled, highlighting the limited roles available. Today, she observed, women are making their mark in every department, from directing and cinematography to production and editing.
However, the progress, as Monga emphasized, is not without its challenges. The conversation delved into the enduring issue of gender disparity, particularly the persistent pay gap. Dixit pointedly noted that women still have to consistently prove their audience-drawing power, a burden not equally placed on their male counterparts.
Monga, known for her work on films that push boundaries and amplify diverse voices, shared her own experiences navigating the industry. She drew attention to the concerning statistics regarding the representation of women in key production roles, underscoring the need for systemic change. She also made a point to ask that male actors join in the conversations about pay parity.
