Manisha Koirala on fighting gender bias in Bollywood: "Change happens when you take the first step"

Manisha Koirala recently opened up about her experiences in a male-dominated environment. Known for her remarkable performances in films like 'Saudagar' and 'Bombay', Koirala has faced numerous challenges throughout her career, particularly regarding the double standards prevalent in the industry.

During a chat with Pinkvilla, Koirala shared about her journey as a feminist in Bollywood. She expressed her frustration with the industry's gender biases, stating that it was difficult to accept how often male actors had the final say in decisions.

She said, "It was me who changed that when I got a female makeup artist in the film Mann. There used to be this union where the male only used to be the makeup artist. And the hairdresser has to be female. In the ad films, it wasn't the case. I met a lady who could do makeup very well. So I called. I said 'why shouldn't she?'"

Traditionally, makeup artists were predominantly male due to industry unions, but Koirala believed that women should have equal opportunities. By bringing in a talented female artist, she aimed to break down barriers and set an example for others in the industry.

She also shared that change is possible when someone takes the first step. "Soon after that, things started changing," Koirala. She mentioned that it was not just about challenging the pay gap but also about rejecting the notion that heroes always call the shots.

Koirala also addressed the hypocrisy surrounding behaviours deemed acceptable for male actors but criticized when exhibited by women. She mentioned how smoking and drinking were considered "hero stuff," while women indulging in similar activities faced harsh judgment.

On the professional front, Manisha Koirala was last seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's series 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar', where she stars alongside prominent actors like Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari and more.