Bollywood is known for its lavishness, vibrant colors, and music, but apart from the splendor and glitter, like any related issue, it has a similar problem: the hyper-sexualization of women by way of costume choices that are improbable. Whether a wedding party or a religious celebration, actresses are dressed in a manner that hardly fits the scene or setting.

Unrealistic Representations of Women

Songs like Param Sundari and Dindora Baje Re have reinvigorated this discussion. In Param Sundari, Janhvi Kapoor, playing the titular character Sundari, dons an understated saree with an “indecent” cut and minimal jewelry for a wedding. This choice is a real stretch, given the character’s traditional family from a conservative background. No bride in India, no matter her caste, class, or anything else, would wear something quite that minimal and vulgar.

In a similar way, in Dindora Baje Re, Alia Bhatt plays Rani with an attire that diminishes the spirit of Durga Puja. While the background dancers are in festive attire, representing an appropriate cultural experience, Rani’s entire costume was clearly constructed for an exhibition of her form and not much else.

Glamour vs. Sensibility

In terms of sexualization of women in South Indian films, it immediately invites criticism, whereas in Bollywood it is generally vehemently called ‘glamorous’ or ‘aesthetic.’ By this, it stands to show that objectification is simply accepted practice in Bollywood. Costumes and clothing are no longer costume and clothing, but commercial products meant to grab attention and attract market views online for songs.

Bollywood: Empowerment or Exploitation?

Some believe that it is a form of self-made self-empowerment, due to the fact that actresses choose to wear the revealing costume/make-up. Sadly, there are situations whereby “choice” is merely a product of what a woman “should” wear, in a very male imposed matrix of representations of women, particularly borne out of yet another very male directed process of story, choreography, production, and direction. With women’s bodies utilized to sell so many songs, the line truly blurs between empowerment and exploitation.

It is about that time Bollywood understands that glamour can absolutely coexist with realism on the screen, without degrading women’s bodies and emerging social symbols at the same time.

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