Actor Tannaz Irani has shared her thoughts on the way women are portrayed in many recent Bollywood films, saying that while actresses often look stunning on screen, their characters frequently lack purpose, depth, and meaningful contributions to the story.
In an exclusive interview, the actress reflected on her own career, the changing landscape of Hindi cinema, and why she believes female roles deserve stronger writing rather than being limited to visual appeal.
“Many Female Characters Exist Only to Look Attractive”
Speaking about contemporary commercial cinema, Tannaz said she has noticed a recurring pattern where some female characters appear to be included primarily for glamour rather than storytelling.
Without naming any specific films, she referred to recent comedy releases in which she felt the actresses had little opportunity to develop memorable characters despite their impressive screen presence.
According to Tannaz, many performers work hard to achieve the glamorous appearance expected of them, but the scripts often fail to provide substantial roles or emotional depth.
She suggested that audiences deserve female characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and meaningful arcs instead of appearances designed solely to attract attention.
“Strong Writing Matters More Than Glamour”
Tannaz stressed that she is not criticising the actresses themselves. Instead, she believes the issue lies in how certain roles are written.
She explained that when a character lacks proper development, performers have limited opportunities to showcase their acting abilities, regardless of their talent.
In her view, memorable films are built on well-crafted characters, and that applies equally to women on screen.
Reflecting on Her Own Journey
Looking back at her career, Tannaz said she has no complaints about the opportunities she has received in the entertainment industry.
She acknowledged that women often face fewer acting opportunities as they grow older, but chose not to focus on that aspect, saying every artist’s journey is different.
Instead, she expressed gratitude for having portrayed characters that challenged her creatively throughout her career.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
The actress also spoke about a difficult period in her life when a medical condition temporarily affected her mobility.
She recalled spending time in a wheelchair, which prevented her from taking up acting assignments during that phase.
Despite that setback, Tannaz said she considers herself fortunate to have worked in several successful films and television shows where her performances were recognised by audiences.
She added that the industry gave her opportunities even though she initially struggled with speaking Hindi fluently.
A Career Across Television and Film
Tannaz Irani has been part of the Indian entertainment industry for decades, building a successful career across television and films.
She has appeared in films including Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, and Golmaal 3.
On television, she is known for popular shows such as Zabaan Sambhal Ke, Yes Boss, and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii.
More recently, audiences saw her make her Hindi streaming debut and appear on Bigg Boss 17 as a family guest supporting Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain.
Debate Around Women’s Representation Continues
The portrayal of women in mainstream cinema remains a frequent topic of discussion within the film industry.
While commercial entertainers often include glamour as part of their storytelling, many actors, filmmakers, and critics have increasingly called for female characters with stronger narratives, greater agency, and more substantial screen presence.
Tannaz Irani’s comments add to the ongoing conversation about balancing commercial appeal with meaningful character development in contemporary Hindi cinema.
