Author of popular book "Almost Single" and writer of "Kahaani," a women-centric film which turned into a commercial success, Advaita Kala feels there is a positive change in the attitude towards women.
"Yes, now Hindi cinema has started taking women more seriously, they are getting their due now. Bollywood's attitude towards women actors is certainly changing, and it is a promising development," says Advaita Kala.
The author and scriptwriter Advaita was in the capital recently to participate in an event coinciding with the international week for women.
"For long, movies having women as protagonists did have its share of critical acclaim but were mostly deprived of the box-office success. They failed to rake in the moolah, but the recent huge success of female lead movies like "Dirty Picture" and "Kahaani" have changed the equations", says the author-writer.
An internationally published author, Advaita became a bestseller with her first novel "Almost Single". She penned the script of her first movie "Anjaana Anjaani" which was released in 2010 and also for next "Kahaani" with Vidya Balan was released in 2012.
"Today, leading filmmakers are ready to put money in projects where a woman is the 'hero' of the movie. Initially they shied away from taking such a risk", says Advaita.
The writer cited grave concerns over the increasing commodification of women in movies and advertisements.
"It's a matter of grave concern that the commodification of women has become synonymous with being so-called modern and progressive, no, its not the case. It's a very hollow thinking. It's sad that a woman is being showcased in such poor light just to sell products," says the author who cited the example of a cement ad with a bikini-clad woman in it.
