07 June,2026 05:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ratna Pathak Shah (Pic via Instagram)
The conversation around the objectification of women on screen has gained renewed attention following the release of the Telugu film Peddi. Audiences who watched the film, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor, criticised the treatment of the female lead, accusing the makers of hyper-sexualising Janhvi's character to boost the film's commercial appeal.
Amid the controversy, an old interview of actor Ratna Pathak Shah discussing the responsibility of female actors to speak up against objectification has resurfaced online.
In an interview with News18 in 2017, Pathak Shah spoke about the need for women in the film industry to reject roles that reduce them to mere objects of desire.
She said, "Everyone who decides to act in a film, every woman, I am sorry to be judgmental, but every woman who decides to act in a film like Dabangg, where she is made a complete object of lust and more or less nothing else, should also stand up and say, 'No, I don't feel like doing a part like this.'"
However, the veteran actor also acknowledged the role of privilege and pointed out that not every actress has the financial security to turn down such roles.
She added, "Particularly since I have got a mummy or daddy to bankroll this, at least at this time I won't. Silk Smitha didn't get a chance to say that. Her family depended on her doing what she had to do. My family doesn't depend on me, so why am I not standing up?"
The remarks were made during a panel discussion that also featured Vidya Balan, Bhumi Pednekar, Swara Bhasker and Zaira Wasim.
Bhumi Pednekar echoed Pathak Shah's sentiments, saying, "We need to become more responsible. I completely agree. Considering the kind of impact we have on people and the public, we need to understand that every time you are smacking a girl's butt on screen, there are going to be 10 boys in a small village in India doing the same thing because they think it's okay."
Director Buchi Babu Sana has responded to the criticism surrounding the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor's character in Peddi, acknowledging audience concerns and promising changes to the film.
The filmmaker issued an apology after viewers and critics accused the movie of objectifying Janhvi's character, Achiyyamma, particularly in the romantic portions of the film.
In a statement, he wrote:"As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire and connect with audiences. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected. We have heard the feedback regarding certain scenes in 'Peddi' and have taken it seriously.
I have always had immense respect for women, both on and off screen, and it was never our intention to objectify or disrespect any female character. If any part of the film has been perceived that way, we respect those sentiments, understand the concerns being raised, and sincerely apologise.
After reviewing the feedback, we have decided to make changes to the concerned portions. Cinema grows through its connection with audiences, and as storytellers, we have a responsibility to be mindful of evolving perspectives and sensitivities."
