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 Parvathy Thiruvothu 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.
Women who inspire Parvathy
When asked to give a shout-out to a woman who truly inspires her, Parvathy couldn’t pick just one. Instead, she honoured the women who she works with in the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a group that has been fighting for equal rights and a safe space for women in Malayalam cinema.
The ‘Kadak Singh’ actor also mentioned that the women of the WCC were resilient because they stayed on in the industry or continued to fight despite being “starved”. “In terms of just sticking with it and having the grit to stay in the industry, I admire all the women of my collective. We have really been at the brutal end of being creatively starved, and yet, we continue to hold on,” she said.
Acknowledging the struggles they face, she added, “Every single member of the collective, despite being kicked out of the industry or struggling for opportunities, has held on to hope. They refuse to believe that it’s the end of the road.”
Tired of hearing ‘Female-Oriented’ Label
When asked about a stereotype regarding female characters that frustrates her the most, Parvathy pointed out the problematic use of the term "female-oriented."
The actor said, “The market often uses this term in a way that is both conveniently and inconveniently problematic. Sometimes, the industry jumps on the ‘woke’ trend, treating feminist films as a temporary marketing strategy rather than a genuine push for change.”
She highlighted how decision-makers in studios often see "trendy feminist films" as a temporary, profitable phase rather than a consistent commitment to better representation of women on screen.
