Exclusive - Kaveri Priyam on Women's Day: Women should be seen as multifaceted individuals rather than being defined by their looks or relationship status

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, actress Kaveri Priyam reflects on the changing landscape of the film industry, the portrayal of women in media, and her advice for young women aspiring to make a mark in entertainment. With a career that showcases her talent and dedication, Kaveri is passionate about the evolution of women’s roles on screen and the need for stronger, more authentic representation.
Over the years, the film industry has undergone a significant transformation in how it presents female characters. Kaveri believes that the days when women were confined to secondary roles. “The film industry has undergone a significant evolution in terms of providing stronger roles to women over the years,” she says. “Initially, women were typically relegated to stereotypical and one-dimensional characters, but now, there is a growing demand for stories that reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of women. Filmmakers and studios are recognizing the commercial and critical value of creating compelling and complex female characters.”
She credits this shift to changing audience preferences and industry-wide conversations on gender equality. Global movements like MeToo have played a crucial role in pushing the industry toward more inclusivity. “These movements have sparked discussions about inclusivity and diversity, prompting filmmakers to reexamine how women are portrayed and actively seek out opportunities to amplify female voices,” she explains.
Kaveri also highlights how the success of films with strong female leads has encouraged filmmakers to explore more women-centric stories. “Movies like Queen, Mardaani, Mary Kom, NH10, and Gunjan Saxena have proven that stories centered on women can be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. I’m currently watching Dabba Cartel, which also showcases powerful female performances, and it’s so refreshing to see such content being made.”
Despite these positive changes, she feels that the media still imposes unrealistic beauty standards on women, which can be damaging. “I would eliminate the persistent, often subconscious, pressure to conform to a narrow, hyper-sexualized ideal of beauty,” she shares. “This pressure negatively impacts women’s self-esteem and worth. Instead, the media should consistently showcase the vast diversity of women, their appearances, experiences, talents, their journey to success, and their future ambitions. Women should be seen as complex, multifaceted individuals rather than being defined by their looks or relationship status.”
When asked what advice she would give to young women aspiring to enter the film industry, her response is clear and empowering. “Just one thing, nothing can beat a strong, confident woman who knows her worth and is ready to work towards her goals and dreams.”
As more female-driven stories take center stage, it’s evident that the industry is moving towards a more balanced and empowering portrayal of women, both on and off-screen.