Sheeba Akashdeep reflects on how Bollywood’s approach towards female actors has evolved, highlighting restrictive contracts and societal expectations in her earlier years in the industry. (instagram/@simplysheeba)
Veteran actress Sheeba Akashdeep recently opened up about the challenges faced by women in the Bollywood film industry, shedding light on the restrictive and often discriminatory practices producers imposed on female actors in earlier years. Sheeba reflected on the stark contrast between the present and the past, emphasizing how far the industry has come in terms of how female stars are treated.
Sheeba recalled the days when actresses had to remain single to be considered for roles, citing that any hint of a romantic relationship could jeopardize a woman’s career. "So much has changed. Now, A-list married actresses continue to star in A-list films with A-list actors," Sheeba said. She went on to reveal that during her time, female actors had to hide their relationships, as having a boyfriend could result in losing out on film roles. "At that time, heroines had to be single," she added, explaining that even the hint of a romance could stir public scrutiny and damage a career.
In her conversation, Sheeba also addressed the "dangerous" contracts that female actors were often forced to sign, which restricted their personal lives. She recalled how producers would impose conditions stating that the actress could not marry or get pregnant while working in films. “At that point of time, it was a big taboo. If you were married, that meant 100% pack-up for your career. If you had a boyfriend, rumors would spread," she said. Sheeba explained that these contracts were designed to ensure that an actress’s personal life did not interfere with her on-screen persona, citing how producers would insist that off-screen relationships shouldn’t interfere with on-screen roles, especially romantic ones.
Sheeba made her Bollywood debut in the 1991 film Yeh Aag Kab Bujhegi, directed by Sunil Dutt, where she starred alongside industry stalwarts Sunil Dutt and Rekha. Over the years, she became known for her roles in various films, including Nachnewale Gaanewale (1991), Suryavanshi (1992), Hum Hain Kamaal Ke (1993), Pyar Ka Rog (1994), and Kaalia (1997), among many others. Her career spans over three decades, and she was recently seen in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), where she portrayed Mona Sen.
The industry’s evolving approach to actresses, especially in terms of personal life and professional opportunities, is a testament to the changing attitudes towards women in Bollywood. Sheeba’s reflections highlight how Bollywood has gradually become more inclusive and less restrictive, offering female actors the freedom to live their personal lives without the fear of jeopardizing their careers.
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