A prominent international liquor brand has specially come out with a female version, where Jack paves way for Jane since ladies too like their blends and their single malts as much as their male counterparts. Therefore, it is rather ironical and somewhat disturbing that the focus on late actor Sridevi’s sudden death turned to alcohol traces in her blood. The conspiracy theories went out of control and the legendary actress was instantly brandished an alcoholic with indirect insinuation that this was responsible for her death. But the focus is not about female celebs alone. In India, a lady enjoying her drink, no matter how successful or professional, is unfortunately perceived as a ‘fallen’ woman. And if she speaks her mind or exposes a malaise in the society, she is hurled with abuses. When actress Preity Zinta took on industrialist Ness Wadia over an alleged sexual misconduct, she had almost become persona non grata. Likewise, in the case of actress Kangana, who dared to speak up against Hrithik Roshan. Not only was she semi-ostracised by the industry but also labeled mentally unstable.
The misogynists’ perception being that a woman who is buzzed or overtly outspoken is clearly not in control of her senses, incapable of managing her life, leave alone her career. This dangerous mindset has also found its permanent place in popular cinema. In one of Sridevi’s iconic movies, Chaalbaaz, where she played the role of twins, the wicked sister Anju enjoyed her drink but the virtuous Manju didn’t drink madira (alcohol) and propagated the medieval concept of a pure girl.
Sociologist G.K. Karanth says, “People who make such derogatory remarks or jump to conclusions, do so out of a seemingly ‘moralistic’ attitude towards drinking. If a man drinks, it is ‘social drinking’ but, in case of women, it’s blatant ‘alcoholism’ or ‘lack of character.’ The ones who accuse women are in reality trying to camouflage their own shortcomings. Unfortunately, these people who are viscous in their assumptions are convinced that the ruling ideology is in their favour.”
Kannada star Sanjjana says, “Movie stars are considered public property and people believe they own them. If it’s a female actor, and things are not going too well for her, they will belittle and humiliate her with all kinds of speculation. Unfortunately, Sridevi’s unnatural death has lead to idle gossip. That is the dark side to fame. Over the years, I have learnt to ignore the muck and just move forward. That is the only way to stay sane.”
This attitude extends to other aspects of life too. Male actors like Shashi Kapoor and Rama Naidu got state funerals but when India’s first female superstar is accorded the same respect, people start to question. “Sridevi brought a change in an industry dominated by men and was the first to get paid more than the male actors. She deserves every honour that a male superstar would’ve received. We claim to have evolved into a modern, intelligent species but in reality we’re still Neanderthals. There’s a history of men getting away with everything because our minds are conditioned in a way that tells us women are weaker and lesser mortals,” points out actress Apoorva Arora.
— With inputs from Shashi and Pooja
