Actress Alpana Buch, known for playing Leela Baa in the popular television show Anupamaa, has spoken about the double standards women continue to face over their clothing, lifestyle choices and personal decisions.
In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Alpana said women are often judged for choices that should be a matter of personal freedom, including what they wear, when they return home, whether they marry and how confidently they express themselves.
“A woman is judged for wearing a short dress, staying out late, choosing not to marry at a certain age or simply speaking with confidence. Many times, the clothes are not really the issue. They become an excuse to question a woman’s independence,” she said.
The actress stressed that meaningful social change would require families, friends and colleagues to stop judging women for exercising their choices.
“I think society changes when people stop participating in that judgement. Families, friends and colleagues have to understand that a woman’s choices belong to her,” she added.
Alpana also highlighted the role of television in shaping perceptions about women and said independent female characters should be portrayed as normal rather than rebellious.
“Television can also play a role by showing independent women as normal rather than making them look rebellious just because they want to live life on their own terms,” she said.
Reflecting on women from different generations, Alpana said each age group has its own understanding of independence and that women can learn from one another rather than compare their choices.
“Every generation has its own understanding of independence. Older women have a strength that comes from experience and from knowing how to survive difficult situations. Younger women are more willing to question things and refuse to accept certain limitations,” she said.
“I don’t think one generation is right and the other is wrong. Strength can look different at different ages. If women listen to each other instead of comparing their choices, there is a lot they can learn from one another,” she added.
Alpana Buch plays Leela Baa in Anupamaa, produced by Deepa Shahi and Rajan Shahi. The show features Rupali Ganguly, Adrija Roy and Shivam Khajuria among its cast.