Like to leave footprints, and not follow in the footsteps

I personally think that working in cinema is more like working in any other corporate office. In fact, it’s more public and there are lots of people around to protect you. But then, the only problem here is, people don’t take you seriously. That too, if you are the only girl AD on the sets, it will be difficult for you to prove that you are right. Soft jobs will be given to girls, and hard ones to men. That’s where the inequality starts. But women should all go all out to prove that they are no less than men on the sets. There are other practical constraints like using rest rooms on the sets, commuting for late night shoots that women ADs face. But these days, the production house arranges cabs for picking up ADs early morning or dropping them home late in the night. I had two female ADs’ for Vikram Vedha, and both gave their best. They argue, and fight with other ADs to convey their point. At the end of the day, it’s a man’s world and we must fight if we need to be heard. 

To be frank, the film industry may seem like a male dominated one, but according to me, both the genders have equal opportunities here. It’s all about how women push themselves to achieve their dreams, despite other commitments. I agree that we are surrounded by men on the sets. That’s because many girls don’t take up artwork or cinematography as their profession. They should come out of their shell, and make their families understand that it’s a safe place for anyone to survive. I personally feel that the worst thing that women technicians face is hunting for rest rooms, or a hygienic place during shoots. I do agree that caravans are there now, but when we shoot in remote locations, it gets difficult for us. Other than this, I am sure we have a lot to contribute and we are here to stay.

Having started my career in 1985, the industry has always treated female technicians in a respectful way. There was no gender disparity as such and the scope for female technicians has got better. I was the only one when I started out and now there are hundreds of women technicians out there, which is evident in the workshops that are being conducted. I am glad about the change and the road ahead will be much better. Wishing all lovely women, a very happy Women’s Day.

Though the industry has opened up to female technicians and treat them with respect, there is still a long way to go. When I started my career in 2007, there were hardly any women directors. But now, we have people like Nandhini, Sudha Kongara and Priya among others, which is a positive sign. However, there is a mental block in the industry that female directors can’t commit themselves to a project like a male director does. It is not true. We put in the same effort or even more than what it is required when it comes to the profession. Apart from Madhavan, has any leading actor agreed to do a film directed by female directors? They believe that a female director cannot pen an action script like a male director does, which is not the case. Moreover, the audience, of late, have started supporting good content. ‘Masala’ films aren’t everything. When I was shooting for my film, one of my ADs asked me not to climb a steep hill and that he will shoot it for me. I told him that I’m equally strong on the sets and will do it myself. I hope, the situation changes and the industry embraces more female technicians in the future. Wishing womanhood, a happy Women’s Day.