Recently, popular film actor Chiranjeevi ruffled feathers by making a statement that laid bare the deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset in Indian society. He expressed his desire for his son to produce a male child, citing an excess of girls in the family. This tone-deaf sexist remark, coming from a senior and much-respected actor, was steeped in misogynistic implications, reflecting the long-standing preference for male offspring — a bias that has dogged Indian culture for generations.

Chiranjeevi’s statement, whether made in jest or reflecting personal beliefs, underscores a larger societal issue where women continue to face gender bias. When famous male actors make sexist, insensitive, and senseless comments, it’s a wake-up call. As the saying goes, “Silence is the voice of complicity.” Turning a blind eye could lead to a slippery slope, normalising regressive attitudes in society. Elsewhere, Andrew Tate, a TikTok star and an incorrigible misogynist, says that women belong in the home, can’t drive, and are a man’s property.

In 2015, actor Salman Khan landed in hot water after saying that his gruelling filming schedule made him feel like a “raped woman.” His careless comparison of such a severe crime to his personal struggle highlighted the insensitivity of one of the most celebrated and feted actors in Indian cinema toward gender-related issues.

The Indian film industry is notorious for its gender biases. Male actors enjoy longer and more lucrative careers, while for actresses, it is often the end of the road once they reach their thirties. The pay disparity between male and female actors is a glaring example of how the industry values men more than women. A-list male actors command exorbitant fees, while their female counterparts, despite being equally talented, are often paid a fraction of that amount.

The portrayal of women in Indian cinema also reflects this ingrained sexism. Female characters are frequently objectified, reduced to mere eye candy, and assigned roles that reinforce stereotypes — docile, submissive wives, dutiful daughters-in-law, or glamorous love interests devoid of depth. In contrast, male characters are often celebrated as powerful, strong, and decisive, exuding confidence in their masculinity. However, in recent times, some movies have begun portraying women in leading and positive roles.

Our obsession with having a male child is well-known. This preference stems from the age-old belief that a son is an asset to the family, responsible for carrying forward the lineage, performing last rites, and being the primary breadwinner. Despite significant socio-economic progress, this regressive thinking persists, especially in traditional and conservative households. Families in many parts of India still celebrate the birth of a son with grand festivities, while the birth of a daughter is met with subdued acknowledgement, if not outright disappointment.

Another aspect of India’s patriarchal mindset is the lack of a level playing field in marriages, which stems from skewed gender dynamics. Even today, the institution of marriage is plagued by male dominance, with women expected to prioritise household duties over careers, while men continue to enjoy greater financial and social autonomy. Social evils like dowry persist, leading to tragic consequences, including the loss of innocent brides’ lives. However, there is always a silver lining in the dark clouds. Last year, 26-year-old Sanjna Jatav, from a poor Dalit family, became the youngest-ever MP from Rajasthan. She got ample support from her husband, who encouraged her decision to contest the election.

While India has made significant progress in advancing women’s rights, the battle against ingrained patriarchy is far from over. It is imperative for influential figures, especially in the entertainment industry, to choose their words carefully and use their platform responsibly. To use the Lawrentian metaphor of “thin sticks,” celebrities cannot afford to be symbols of frailty and insubstantiality. Instead of perpetuating sexist ideologies, they should actively contribute to reshaping the narrative around gender equality.

Educating people on gender sensitivity, promoting strong female role models in films, and calling out regressive remarks, such as Chiranjeevi’s, are necessary steps toward dismantling these age-old biases. The younger generation, in particular, must be taught that a child’s worth is not determined by its gender but by the love, care, and opportunities it receives.

Championing gender equality is never easy in any country, yet many feisty women activists in our society tirelessly advocate for women’s rights. Their efforts, however, are undermined by demoralising comments from influential figures, like those of a film actor. It is high time that celebrities, who wield significant influence and have lakhs of followers on social media, take responsibility for their words and actions. True progress will only be achieved when we break free from these regressive shackles and foster a society where gender equality is not just an ideal but a lived reality.

(The writer is a Delhi-based journalist)

The writer is an independent journalist