MUMBAI: Indian actress Fatima Sana Shaikh has spoken about the limited opportunities available to women in the Hindi entertainment industry, saying actors sometimes accept projects they do not want because of financial and career pressures.
Over the course of her decade-long career, Shaikh has portrayed a range of characters, including wrestler Geeta Phogat and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. However, she said that, with a few exceptions, women in the Hindi entertainment industry continue to receive fewer complex and layered roles.
Shaikh is currently appearing as police officer ACP Jasleen Singh Swain in the JioHotstar web series Hankaar. The series follows a teenage girl who accuses a self-styled religious figure of sexual assault.
Discussing her role, Shaikh said she was grateful for the opportunity but noted that strong, layered characters for women remain limited. She said male actors often receive more opportunities to explore their range through different roles.
According to Shaikh, the disparity is not limited to the entertainment industry. She said cinema reflects society, where gender roles remain clearly defined.
The actress also argued that women with morally complex or “grey-shaded” characters are often portrayed through stereotypical labels, rather than being allowed the same complexity given to male characters.
Shaikh expressed hope that this approach will change, saying female characters can be both impressive and conflicted without being reduced to conventional stereotypes.
Reflecting on career pressures, Shaikh said many actors have limited choices and may sometimes have to accept work they would otherwise decline. She explained that not everyone comes from wealthy backgrounds and that financial circumstances can force actors to make compromises.
She also highlighted the importance of timing and success in the entertainment industry. According to Shaikh, a successful film or show can lead to several more opportunities, while an unsuccessful project can leave actors with fewer options.