Film Industry Hugely Hierarchical Along Lines of Caste, Class, and Gender, Says Konkona Sen Sharma

Mumbai- Noted actress and film maker Konkona Sen Sharma has made startling revelations about the deep-rooted discrimination prevalent on Bollywood film sets. The acclaimed actress pointed out that the industry is not only patriarchal but also heavily hierarchical based on caste, class, and gender.

Speaking in an interview with Sucharita Tyagi on her YouTube channel, Konkona shared, "Film sets- the Film industry is hugely hierarchical not just on the lines of women but also along the lines of caste and class and of course, gender. It is hugely problematic, patriarchal, regressive and hierarchical ". She emphasized how such biases even dictate where people are allowed to sit, what they can eat, and other forms of segregation, making it incredibly challenging to work in such environments.

Konkona went on to explain how even something as basic as catering on set is influenced by these biases. "In terms of catering, who is allowed to sit where, who is allowed to eat what—there is so much discrimination," she said, expressing her shock at the level of caste and class divisions she has witnessed on set. "Where are the bathrooms? What people get away with—you know. It’s difficult to work in that environment."

'Patriarchy is a Mindset, Even Among Women'

When asked whether there should be more female critics and journalists, Konkona Sen Sharma strongly agreed, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in film criticism. "Yes, there should be more female voices because when we studied criticism, we looked at various perspectives—there’s the Marxist perspective, the feminist perspective. There’s a lens through which you see the world, and that is very important," she said. Konkona explained that people from different communities bring unique insights to film analysis that others outside those communities might not possess, making criticism more expansive and broadening.

However, she cautioned that simply being a woman does not automatically mean one has a progressive or sensitive perspective on feminist issues. "Patriarchy is a mindset, and it’s prevalent even among women. It’s common to see older women in families propagating these patriarchal values," she noted. Konkona added that some female filmmakers are aggressive and patriarchal in their approach, while there are a few progressive, sensitive male filmmakers who write great female characters—though such instances are rare.

Women Treated Like 'Equipment' on Film Sets

When the anchor asked Konkona about the Hema Committee report making waves in the Malayalam film industry and whether she had been following the developments, she responded affirmatively.

The 'Life in a Metro' actress did not hold back when addressing the treatment of women in the industry, particularly those who are not senior figures. She shared that junior female actors or crew members are often treated with disrespect, almost as if they are invisible or merely objects. "If its not a very senior actor like a female person or even the Ed's , how they're treated in terms of you know, come stand here- their bodies are pushed like equipment on a set." Konkona explained.

According to her, these small but consistent acts of disrespect are widespread across film sets, creating an oppressive and dehumanizing environment. "It’s the small things that you see all the time, everywhere. It's very difficult to work in that environment," she added. The actress stated that when its difficult to witness such things, the pain of those who endure it is imaginable". However, she says, many incidents of sexual harassments do not even come close to coming out.

Konkona's candid remarks have sparked a conversation about the deep-seated issues within Bollywood, exposing the industry's problematic hierarchical structures and the urgent need for reform. The actress's statements resonate with the ongoing discussions around gender, caste, and class discrimination in India, particularly in spaces that should ideally be progressive and inclusive.