Indian films are still hero-centric: Juhi Chawla

Juhi Chawla feels that though a lot has changed for women in showbiz, some aspects continue to remain the same. The actor, who joined the team of the TV show Sharanam as a narrator, doesn't understand the pressure on women to "prove their equality."

"I am not exactly sure what's going on about any debate on gender, equality, and stuff in the world right now. Some things have changed for the better and some... I am not sure if we are headed in the right direction. As in, 15 years ago there used to be one or two women on the sets of a film with 100 men. Today, there would be maybe 35 women and 65 men in a film unit, which is great," Juhi says.

"So, yes, the opportunity to go out and be working and the freedom has increased for women. But on the other hand, films are still hero-centric... In a majority of the films, the hero is the hero," she adds.

She feels the pressure on women actors is also increasing. "I feel we are putting a lot of pressure on the girls on-screen. They are wearing tinier clothes, they are becoming size-zero, they have to look very cool and comfortable with live-in relationships. Why so much pressure on women? Is this truly an expression of freedom?"

She goes on to add, "I don't even see why it is a question that women should prove their equality. I feel they were anyway superior. I mean women are one half of society and are responsible for creating the other half. So why do they have to prove anything?" 

A former Miss India Universe, Juhi made her cinematic debut with the 1986 film Sultanat. But she came into the spotlight in 1988 with the success of romantic drama Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, which also featured Aamir Khan. She carved a niche with hits like Darr, Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi, Isha and Duplicate.

In the past few years, Juhi was seen in Gulaab Gang and Chalk N Duster.

There are reports that she might get back together with superstar Shah Rukh Khan for a cameo in Aanand L Rai's project, and might star with Anil Kapoor in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga. But there has been no confirmation on either project.

Talking about the kind of work she wants to do, Juhi says, "As long as I can, I will be acting -- whether on-screen or by making an appearance on television. May be a little less than before."

"I am working in a film which will go on the floors in January and again it is a very interesting script. I think you will hear more details from the production house which at some point will make its announcement. Meanwhile, I am considering some more work on television," she adds.