Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt on Saturday said that the indecent portrayal of women in films was not a phenomenon of the 21st century.
MUMBAI: Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt on Saturday said that the indecent portrayal of women in films was not a phenomenon of the 21st century.
"Women have always been used as objects to whip up desires in films. Earlier, they were asked to drop their pallus and asked to wear knotted, backless blouses. It is only since nineties, that films like Raaz, Murder, Jism which were deliberately erotic run successfully. The question is who decides what is obscene," Bhatt said while participating in a seminar "Indecent Representation of Women in the Media" organized by the National Commission of Women (NCW) here.
Bhatt said he was castigated for portraying his daughter as an object in flesh trade in the film "Sadak" even though there was no skin show.
"It was said that the film was the end of Mahesh Bhatt, the director who has made movies like Arth and Saraansh", he added.
Bhatt was of the opinion that only a filmmaker can decide where to draw the line.
"Talk of censorship is absurd. I am against policing. Several filmmakers will be willing to support the movement against indecent depiction of women in films, provided they are not talked down upon. Freedom of expression should not be tampered with. But we also realize that our freedom should not endanger the lives of several others," he added.
The need of the hour is to sensitize the individual rather than using force, he felt.
Dr Girija Vyas, chairperson of the NCW, in her inaugural address said the indecent representation of women (Prohibition) act 1986 came into force in 1987. The law relating to obscenity is codified in the IPC. In spite of these provisions, the indecent representation of women or references to women in publications, particularly advertisements which have the effect of denigrating women and
are derogatory."
"It is therefore necessary to have a separate legislation. Since 1986, both electronics and cyber media have gained prominence," he added.
Dr Vyas said portrayal of women in the media has been complex and complicated and their presentation was not keeping with the norms of dignity.
However, she felt the stereotypes depicted on television or films was more dangerous because what is shown is far from reality.
Dr Vyas stressed for internal regulation from all concerned agencies. Besides, she said there should be avenues for redressed of grievances.
Supreme Court lawyer Aparna Bhatt said stereotyping of women in the present television programming content was more dangerous than women shown in skimpy clothes.
"On television we are shown that women are limited to the confines of their home. They only gossip and progressive, working women are not of good character," she noted.
Rahul Dev, a Delhi-based advertising and media professional demanded that the focus should not be just on indecent depiction of women in the media when even men are show in a derogatory manner.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}