It seems that Shah Rukh Khan is determined to support women’s progress in Bollywood. The star, who recently decided that the name of his female co-stars would come before his in the credit roles, thinks this is not enough and recently stated that the same should be done in the award shows. He told TOI, “I think they should do it. I am hosting an award show next year and I will ensure that the best actress award should be saved for the last.” As he added, “Hindi films, and films at large, are a little patriarchal. But don’t worry. It will change in the next ten years. Women will rule.”
SRK’s inspiration came from the ad he shot for Tata Tea few months ago. In it, the actor decides that in all his films the name of the main actress will appear first. The idea was put into practice in SRK’s latest blockbuster Chennai Express, with Deepika Padukone’s name being placed in the beginning of the film. The actor seems satisfied with the decision and declared that the same will be done in his upcoming project Happy New Year, directed by Farah Khan.
The situation of women is the focus of a heated debate in India, mainly after the rape and murder of a student in Delhi in December last year. It is good to see how such an influential person as SRK is willing to advocate for women’s progress in India. Although it may seem a small gesture SRK’s decision helps increase awareness about inequality in the film industry. Well done King Khan!
