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News India Live, Digital Desk: Smita Patil… the name itself is enough. She was one of the few actresses who had a unique depth in her eyes. In films like ‘Arth’, ‘Bhoomika’ and ‘Manthan’, she brought the strong form of women on screen. But when he turned to ‘commercial’ i.e. spicy films, the atmosphere there shook him to the core.
Smita Patil was often angry at how women were considered mere ‘decoration’ objects in Hindi films. An old statement of his is still in discussion, which exposes the industry.
“Films were sold, not because of me…”
During an interview, Smita had said very harshly that in the industry, actors (heroes) are considered gods, but when it comes to drawing the audience to the theatres, the entire burden is put on the body of the actress.
He said without fear, “These people cannot show the hero naked, they feel ashamed or their ‘image’ gets spoiled. So to make the film ‘sexy’ or to sell tickets, they have to take off the heroine’s clothes.”
Rain dance and suffocation
Smita Patil believed that in art cinema, women are considered human beings and their issues are discussed. But in commercial cinema, women are just a touch of glamour. You might remember, that famous song “Aaj Rapat Jaaye…” from the film ‘Namak Halal’ was shot with Amitabh Bachchan while getting drenched in rain.
It is said that after the shooting of this song, Smita Patil went home and cried bitterly. What did they think they had done? He realized to what extent he was being ‘used’ to entertain people. However, later on the persuasion of Amitabh Bachchan, he completed the shooting.
Refuse to be a showpiece
Smita Patil was in that era when heroine in reel life meant only dancing around trees or getting trapped in the clutches of villains. Smita raised the question why the focus is only on the body of women instead of their intelligence and skills?
He had clearly said that he feels suffocated doing such films where only dancing, singing and body movements are expected from him.
Has it changed even today?
Smita Patil is not among us today, but her question raised years ago is equally relevant even today. Even though ‘women centric’ films are being made today, the formula of making films ‘hit’ through item numbers and meaningless bold scenes has not completely ended even today.
This outspokenness of Smita Patil shows that she was not just a great actress but also a rebellious voice who knew that respect is more important than money and fame.