In an exclusive and engaging panel discussion at ‘The Hollywood Reporter India’s - Women in Entertainment: Power List 2025’, held on March 21st at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai, renowned personalities from the industry came together to share their insights. At the event, Hook had the exclusive opportunity to meet with some stellar women, including Tejasswi Prakash, Aditi Rao Hydari, Tillotama Shome and many more.
The event was also graced by celebrated figures like Kiran Rao, Aditi Rao Hydari, Janhvi Kapoor and Guneet Monga, with author and journalist Anupama Chopra moderating the discussion. The conversations highlighted the importance of authenticity and audience connection in the entertainment industry.
Panelists reflected on their careers, discussing the delicate balance between commercial cinema and meaningful content that resonates with a broader audience. The discussion shed light on the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry, emphasizing the need for resilience and composure in the face of criticism.
At the event, Hook had an exclusive chat with actor and film producer Jyothika Saravanan for our series - ‘What’s the Question? - Rapid Edition’. The series explores the essence of being a celebrity - the journey to stardom, living under the constant lens of the paparazzi, women in Bollywood, and the impact on the consumers of celebrity content.
Who inspires Jyothika the most?
During our conversation with the 'Raatchasi' star, we asked her about all the women who inspire her. Giving a shoutout to all the powerful women at the event, Jyothika said, "I think there are loads of them. Everyone on the list is incredibly powerful today, but this year’s hero, for me, is definitely Kiran Rao ma’am. I think she has truly brought a change in cinema. Her vision, her storytelling, and the way she approaches filmmaking are refreshing and impactful. She has carved her own niche, and I deeply admire that."
If there was one stereotype in cinema...
At the event when asked about that one stereotype about female characters that needs to go, the 'Shaitaan' actor replied, "The good old-fashioned woman who has to impress everyone who cannot be flawed and who has to be white all the time. I'd rather say it's time to play characters which are black or, a profound way of saying it is play gray, which is the real of everyone."
Myth about the film industry that Jyothika wants to get rid off
When asked about one myth regarding the film industry that the actor would like to get rid of, Jyothika spoke about the three stages of a woman's career and revealed that "making choices is the base of where your career drifts." Expanding on the same thoughts, the actor replied, "I don't know because we come with very different perspectives, as in when you enter, you just become part of big films and then start your second innings where you do more material loads, then starts a third one which is the toughest, which I would call the 40 plus innings where you do make choices. So, I think making choices is the base of where your career drifts."
One show Jyothika just cannot get over
Jyothika who was recently seen in the Netflix show 'Dabba Cartel' revealed that she is currently hooked on to Jaideep Ahlawat-starrer 'Pataal Lok', "I saw 'Pataal Lok' recently. I'd love to name our Indian web series because I think they are fabulous." Naming another Netflix show that she absolutely loved, the actor added, "I saw 'Black Warrant' that is also stunning. I am just so in awe of all the newcomers."
