Geeta Basra Reveals The Industry's Past: Why Actresses Struggled After Marriage

Actress Geeta Basra, known for her candid observations, recently offered a powerful glimpse into the challenging landscape for women in the Indian film industry just 15 years ago. Her revelations paint a stark picture of a time when marriage, and particularly motherhood, often marked the unofficial end of an actress's career, a sharp contrast to the more accommodating and inclusive environment we see today.

Basra eloquently detailed the deep-seated biases that plagued the industry in the early 2000s.

"Fifteen years back, if you were married, people would say, 'Oh, she won't work.' If you had a child, it was a completely different ballgame," she explained. This prevailing sentiment wasn't just casual conversation; it translated into a tangible lack of opportunities. Roles for married women, let alone mothers, were scarce and often stereotypical, reinforcing the idea that an actress's personal life directly dictated her professional viability.

The industry's mindset then was rigidly traditional.

There was an unspoken expectation that once a woman tied the knot, her focus would shift entirely to her domestic life. For those who dared to dream of a comeback, the path was fraught with hurdles. Actresses found themselves battling not just for good roles, but for the very chance to be considered relevant.

The perception was that a married actress was no longer marketable to a certain demographic, and a mother even less so. This meant many talented women were sidelined, their careers prematurely curtailed by societal and industry norms rather than their own desire or talent.

However, Basra is quick to celebrate the monumental shift that has occurred since.

She highlights the transformative impact of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, which have single-handedly reshaped the narrative for female artistes. "Today, there's so much work," she noted, acknowledging the diverse roles and expanded opportunities now available. The rise of streaming services has not only broadened the scope for storytelling but has also fostered an environment where an actress's marital or maternal status is no longer a barrier to securing significant and compelling parts.

The contemporary industry is far more progressive.

Actresses are now embracing motherhood and returning to sets with renewed vigour, often celebrated for their dual roles. Stories are more nuanced, depicting women in all their complexities, including as wives and mothers, without making it their sole defining characteristic. This evolution signifies a significant win for gender equality and professional inclusivity within the glamour world.

Geeta Basra's insights serve as a poignant reminder of how far we've come and the importance of continuing to champion diverse voices and experiences in cinema.

Currently, Geeta Basra is gearing up for her role in the upcoming film "Notary," a project that further underscores her return to the acting space in an industry that now, thankfully, values talent and dedication over outdated marital status norms.