Bollywood actress Fatima Sana Shaikh has spoken openly about the deep-rooted patriarchy and subtle forms of discrimination that women continue to experience in the entertainment industry and society.
Speaking at the trailer launch of her upcoming courtroom drama Hunkkaar – The Roar, Shaikh discussed how social conditioning can create additional barriers for women, even when they are professionally capable and confident.
According to the actress, women often begin their professional journeys at a disadvantage because they are expected to prove their abilities before receiving the same level of recognition and opportunity as men.
Shaikh said women generally know what they want and have the ability to achieve their goals, but deeply embedded social attitudes can prevent their voices from receiving the attention they deserve.
She described this conditioning as a mindset that repeatedly asks women to establish their worth before they are taken seriously.
Fatima Sana Shaikh Says Patriarchy Affects Everyone
Shaikh also challenged the idea that patriarchy is solely a problem created by men. She pointed out that women can also become part of these attitudes because they grow up within the same social and cultural environment.
The actress explained that people are often influenced by beliefs and behaviours they encounter while growing up. As a result, patriarchal thinking can become normalised across society, regardless of gender.
Shaikh stressed that breaking these patterns requires collective effort and awareness. She said women must continue challenging the conditioning that limits their confidence, opportunities and ability to speak openly.
Actress Recalls Challenges in the Film Industry
Reflecting on her own experiences in Bollywood, Shaikh recalled attending meetings for projects focused specifically on women’s issues where she was sometimes the only woman present.
She highlighted what she sees as a contradiction in such situations: conversations may focus on empowering women and giving them a voice, while women are not necessarily given enough space to contribute to those discussions themselves.
Shaikh also discussed instances involving inappropriate jokes, mansplaining and insensitive behaviour in professional environments.
She recalled situations where men attempted to explain to women how they should respond emotionally to issues involving violence against women, further highlighting the challenges women can face even in supposedly progressive workplaces.
The actress said women need to develop the confidence to speak up and challenge inappropriate behaviour rather than quietly accepting it.
Fatima Sana Shaikh Plays Police Officer in Hunkkaar
Shaikh’s comments come as she prepares to portray a strong female character in Hunkkaar – The Roar. The actress plays a no-nonsense police officer in the upcoming courtroom drama.
The film is being produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment in association with Priyanka Chopra’s Purple Pebble Pictures and Mangata Films Production.
Directed by Karan D Kapadia and Nitya Mehra, Hunkkaar – The Roar is scheduled to premiere on JioHotstar on September 25.
With its courtroom setting and themes surrounding power, justice and women’s experiences, the project is expected to give Shaikh another opportunity to explore social issues through a dramatic narrative.
