Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan hosted the second day of the National Women’s Thinkers Conference on March 8, drawing sharp focus to cinema and media’s sway over women’s societal image. Under the ‘Nature and Culture’ banner, seven experts dissected films’ positive and toxic influences.
Citing Dangal as a beacon of empowerment—where a girl’s wrestling journey inspired real-life change—speakers contrasted it with Animal, Kabir Singh, and Mirzapur. These, they argued, peddle objectification and glorify addiction. Kiran Chopra, a prominent journalist, stated, ‘Cinema and OTT deeply impact audiences. Dangal shifted mindsets towards daughters’ strength. But scenes of head-top glass dances promoting booze exploded into trends across social media and homes.’
Chopra urged introspection: ‘Portraying women as objects is wrong; it preys on our emotional fragility and self-doubt. Women are inherently strong— we must harness that power.’
Sandhya Purecha, head of Sangeet Natak Akademi, advocated roots in tradition. ‘Vedas and Puranas deem women as Shakti. Domestic abuse, a modern scourge, was criminalized in our ancients texts. Returning to these teachings can curb violence and restore dignity.’
The session concluded with a clarion call for media accountability, pushing for content that uplifts women’s stature in line with cultural ethos.