Women-centric films should be more viable - Shabana Azmi

Actress-social activist Shabana Azmi feels male stars in Bollywood should consider taking fee cuts to reduce the pressure of box office expectations and play secondary character to actresses in women-centric movies.

Azmi said as many actresses are happy to be playing second fiddle to a hero, the same gesture should be reciprocated to make women-oriented cinema more viable.

“I think for women-centric films to become even more viable and be able to expand their budget, it's time the big male stars also once in a while work in a role that is secondary as compared to the girl. This is something we need to encourage,” Azmi told the media. “I think it'll lead to a healthy atmosphere,” she added.

Azmi, 65, who last year worked in Aishwarya Rai Bachchan-starrer “Jazbaa” and will be next seen with Sonam Kapoor in “Neerja”, believes the actresses today are making brave choices in their roles.

“The girls are particularly making brave choices. It is absolutely wonderful. Look at the unconventional roles done by Vidya Balan, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranawaut. They are willing to make the sacrifice that was required,” the veteran actress said.

Azmi, who has worked with critically-feted directors like Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal and Aparna Sen, said women are “willing” to take a cut in their pay cheque too if required.

“Now what is happening is that when you work in a film which doesn't have a big mainstream hero, then you have to have to take a cut in your pay cheque. And they're willing to do that. And that's very good,” she said.    

On Bollywood's focus on box office figures and increasing trend towards touching or crossing the 'Rs 100 crore club', Azmi said that chasing box-office success can be pressurizing for an actor but is something which can be controlled if male stars lower their remuneration.

“Box office is definitely a pressure. But it is not artificial because it depends on the budget. Not all films need to make 100cr for them to be successful. It really is in proportion to the budget of the film. If an actor is going to charge the moon, then he better guarantee that he is going to return that money.”

Citing an example of filmmaker-actor Raj Kapoor, Azmi said an actor lowering his fees is in the best interest of the film. “Look at directors like Raj Kapoor in the past. If they made a film which didn't meet the box office expectations then in the next film they took a huge cut from the distributor. Because you have to guard the health of your career, and industry,” she said.