Over the past three decades, Bollywood has undergone a revolutionary transformation. What was once considered scandalous or daring has now become almost commonplace as the Indian film industry expanded its horizons by embracing global influences. The notion of “exposing,” especially when it comes to the portrayal of female characters, has seen a notable shift since the late 1980s and early 1990s.
A video, recently unearthed, has reignited conversations around this topic by showcasing the candid thoughts of three notable Bollywood actresses of that era: Divya Bharti, Raveena Tandon, and Ayesha Jhulka. In the clip, these actresses express their personal stances on the concept of “skin show” prevalent in the industry during their time.
Divya Bharti, the beloved actress best known for her roles in iconic films such as ‘Deewana’ and ‘Vishwatma,’ spoke assertively in the video. She recounted, “I did my first film with the biggest banner, ‘Vishwatma,’ and I didn’t have to expose myself. It was a great role, according to me, and I didn’t have to expose to make it work. Therefore, I believe there is no need for it moving forward.” Her words underline a significant mindset of the time, prioritizing substance over exposure.
Similarly, Raveena Tandon, who eventually became a superstar in Bollywood, asserted, “No, maybe I won’t do the compromise.” This perspective suggests a strong inclination towards maintaining integrity and authenticity without resorting to compromising one’s values for the sake of film roles.
Further supporting this sentiment, Ayesha Jhulka echoed, “As far as exposing is concerned, I won’t do that. Because I don’t think that by exposing, any role can be made better. If the role is good, then it’s good.
. Compromises can be made only to enhance the performance, to make it better.” Her statement reflected a shared belief among these actresses that true artistry lies in performance, not in revealing attire.
Fast forward to today, the Bollywood industry has experienced a significant cultural shift. The term “exposing” seems almost archaic, having evolved into a broader acceptance of boldness and authenticity on screen, now often entailing nudity when required for character depth and storytelling. The transition reflects changes not only in the industry but also in societal perceptions at large.
Such changes can be perceived as having been influenced by various factors, including the increasing prevalence of global cultures within India, which have brought variations in social norms and cinematic storytelling techniques. This evolving narrative is visible in both traditional films and newer formats like web series. One seminal example is the groundbreaking series ‘Sacred Games,’ released in 2018, which made headlines for its realistic and daring portrayal of characters, inclusive of scenes depicting frontal nudity. The series was a testament to how actors and filmmakers are embracing more liberated approaches to storytelling, driven by artistic necessity and authenticity.
Today’s industry is marked by significant international collaborations, an evolved audience with diverse tastes, and a shift in how characters, particularly female characters, are portrayed. Where once directors and producers hesitated to push boundaries due to fears of public backlash or censorship, now artistic expression finds room to breathe in an industry willing to explore and depict stories more truthfully.
It’s clear that what actresses like Divya Bharti, Raveena Tandon, and Ayesha Jhulka were addressing almost three decades ago was a foundational moment for what has become an enduring dialogue regarding creativity, artistic freedom, and cultural expression in cinema. As such, their words still resonate in contemporary discussions about body politics, empowerment, and the portrayal of women in media today.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how future trends will shape the landscape further, and how the balance between boldness and authenticity will be maintained. The past, present, and future of Bollywood indeed paint a fascinating picture of an industry in perpetual transition, always poised for its next act.
