Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 8 (ANI): Renowned Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao recently shared her insights on navigating the male-dominated Hindi film industry as a woman.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Rao spoke candidly about her experiences, gender dynamics in filmmaking, and the importance of equality.

Speaking about her experiences with toxic masculinity in the workplace, she acknowledged that she has largely been fortunate in her career.

Rao shared a particular incident where she faced resistance from a male colleague who was threatened by her authority as a younger woman.

'I haven't actually been confronted with too much of this toxic masculinity in my work life. I have chosen the people I work with, and they all obviously respect me and my point of view. I did have one occasion where I had a run-in with someone who was, you know, hugely... kind of, I think he was also just threatened by the fact that there was a much younger woman telling him what to do and didn't want to take it from her,' said Renowned Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao.

Despite such challenges, Rao remains committed to challenging patriarchal norms.

Rao shared, 'I've not had much of that experience in the Hindi film industry, I'm happy to say, but you do encounter it, and I feel like sometimes, then I do want to smash the patriarchy.'

Through her work, Rao seeks to promote a more inclusive and equitable representation of women in cinema. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she recognizes the importance of using her platform to drive positive change and challenge societal norms.

She recognized that many women are not as fortunate and face severe exploitation and abuse. Rao expressed her desire to challenge patriarchal norms and support women who are marginalized.

'We are very sheltered in the kind of privilege that we live in...There are women going through much more serious forms of exploitation and abuse. If I can do anything to move that needle a little faster, it would be great,' she added.

The filmmaker also acknowledged the importance of positive male role models in her life and the lives of others.

'Positive men surround all of us. People. Men who have held us up. Men who have been supportive. And, at the same time, you know, all kinds of things exist,' she added.

Known for films like Lagaan, Swades, and Laapataa Ladies, Rao's latest film, Laapataa Ladies, offers a nuanced portrayal of male characters, highlighting both positive and negative roles. She explained that she aimed to showcase alternative characters like Deepak, who embodies supportive and uplifting qualities.

Comparing the two male characters, Deepak and Pradeep, in her film, Rao shared, 'I think Laapataa Ladies was really, for me, a great place in which I could present alternative characters like Deepak. I felt like, you know, we don't often see heroes like Deepak. We don't often see the problems that someone like Deepak will go through, or while you have a Pradeep character who's burnt his first wife, you still have a Deepak character who may not be the brightest guy in the room but is deeply in love with his wife and wants to do something for her.'

Through her work and words, Rao aims to inspire and empower women while also promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

Rao started her career as the assistant director in the epic film 'Lagaan', directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, whom she also assisted later on 'Swades: We, the People'. Lagaan was nominated for the 74th Academy Award in the foreign language film category. Aamir Khan produced and starred in the same film. Before 'Lagaan', she also played a minute role as a supporting actress in 'Dil Chahta Hai'. She has directed the films 'Dhobi Ghat' (2011) and 'Laapataa Ladies' (2024). (ANI)