The glitz and glamour of Bollywood often hide a less-than-ideal reality, especially for women in the industry's past. In a candid and revealing interview, veteran actress Soni Razdan, mother of Alia Bhatt and wife of director Mahesh Bhatt, shed light on the sexist treatment she experienced. She recounted a time when her promising career was abruptly halted after she tied the knot with Mahesh Bhatt in 1986. Her story is a stark reminder of how much the industry has evolved and the challenges women once faced.

A Career Interrupted by Marriage

Razdan was at the peak of her career in the mid-80s, having delivered acclaimed performances in films like Saaransh and Mandi. However, her professional journey took an unexpected and frustrating turn after she got married. In her own words, "suddenly, I wasn't getting any work after that." The reason she was given was even more disheartening: she was told that since she was now "so and so's wife," she didn't need to work. This deeply rooted, patriarchal mindset viewed marriage as an end to a woman's career, expecting her to step back and focus on family instead of her profession.

This mindset, she says, left her "so angry." The experience of being sidelined, not because of a lack of talent or popularity, but simply because of her marital status, was a profound and upsetting injustice. While her career was eventually revived by the popular television series Buniyaad, the initial struggle highlights a troubling aspect of the film industry from that era.

The Evolution of Women in Cinema

Soni Razdan’s story serves as a powerful contrast to the opportunities available to actresses today. She expressed immense pride in how the industry has changed, noting that actresses now have the freedom to work on their own terms, marry, have children, and continue their careers without facing the same prejudice. The rise of actors like her own daughter, Alia Bhatt, who balances a thriving career with a family life, is a testament to this progress.

The shift is not just in attitudes but in the kind of stories being told. Films are increasingly featuring complex, independent female characters who are central to the plot. The industry is no longer confined to the rigid, stereotypical roles of the past, where a woman's identity was solely tied to being a wife or mother.

Razdan's journey is a microcosm of the larger battle for gender equality in Bollywood. Her personal struggle and eventual triumph, thanks to her resilience and talent, paved the way for future generations. While there is still a long way to go in achieving true equality, her revelation reminds us to appreciate the progress that has been made and to continue advocating for a more inclusive and equitable film industry.
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