|
Changing face of sex-workers in movies
By Priyanka Khanna
July 19, 2004
New Delhi - From the pathos of Waheeda Rahman in Pyaasa to the mystic of Rekha
in Umrao Jaan and now the boldness of Neha Dhupia in Julie -- the portrayal of
sex-workers in Hindi cinema has undergone numerous changes.
The on-screen persona of Manisha Koirala in Market or of Tabu in Chandni Bar is
poles apart from that of the good-hearted courtesans of Pakeezah, Umrao Jaan,
Amar Prem or of Chandramukhi of all three versions of Devdas.
The depiction of flesh trade in films today is also different from that in
Mandi, Bazaar, Sadak or Chetna of the bygone era.
Shoma A. Chatterji, author of Woman: A Study of the Portrayal of Women in
Indian Cinema, says patriarchy and markets have always dictated how sex-workers
and the politics of prostitution are projected in the Hindi film industry.
Julie, slated for release July 23, is based on the life of an upmarket
sex-worker by the same name -- a genre that has been attempted in several Hindi
films.
The film is grabbing attention for the former Miss India's steamy scenes.
Priyanshu Chatterjee and Sanjay Kapoor are her co-stars.
"It (Julie) is the journey of an innocent girl whom circumstances lead into
becoming a highly emotional woman. Professionally, she is a sex worker," says
23 year-old Neha Dhupia, who has so far completed one film.
The film, directed by Deepak Shivdasani, who made Pehchaan, Baaghi and the
commercial dud Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke, is based on the sensitive subject of
flesh trade but the excessive skin show in promos have raised doubts about its
intent.
Though Deepak and Neha are quick to note that the movie delivers a strong
social message and is not a semi-porn film, their claims seem hallow going by
the promos.
Not so long ago, Jaago turned the real life tragedy of rape of a physically
challenged minor into rape of the cause by showing the rape scenes over and
over.
Then Girlfriend dealt a severe blow to the cause of gay groups by portraying a
lesbian as mentally deranged and now Julie threatens to turn film on a serious
subject that the UN calls "trade in human misery" into a sleaze flick.
There are two million women sex workers in India with most coerced into the
trade by abduction or deception.
An estimated two in five sex workers are below 18 years of age. Those involved
in the sex trade are demanding the legalisation of the profession. But such
serious issues never find mention in our Hindi films.
Only Madhur Bhandarkar came close to confronting the issues of prostitution and
AIDS in Chandni Bar.
Actress-turned-filmmaker Revathi, who is making a film on an AIDS patient,
seems set to follow in Madhur's footstep. She says her film hopes to promote
the message of safe sex instead of sermonising to people against prostitution.
"I met many commercial sex workers. Spoke at length with them. I realise now
that there is no point in telling them to not get involved in it," says
Revathi.
"Instead, you should tell them to practice safe sex. At least that way, you can
prevent HIV from spreading."
"Today's youth feel monogamy is a farce. When commercial sex workers are
available for as low as Rs.50, promiscuity has become rampant. It is better to
stress on safe sex right now."
Former Miss World turned screen diva Aishwarya Rai will also essay the role of
a sex worker in Chaos, to be directed by French director Coline Serreau and
co-starring Hollywood actress Meryl Streep.
The film is about a sex worker and a woman trying to find freedom from a
selfish husband and a ruthless pimp and is likely to be completed next year.
Until then, we will have to bear with watching a whole lot of Neha in Deepak's
version of the life of a sex worker.
Copyright 1999-2004, AsianSexGazette.com. All rights reserved. No
content may be reproduced in whole or part without written permission.
Please contact us via the link below for re-print and syndication policies.
|
|
 |
