Filmmaker Vinta Nanda has criticized director Imtiaz Ali for his recent remarks on women’s safety and the casting couch in Bollywood, sparking a heated debate on social media. Nanda, known for her outspoken views on gender issues in the entertainment industry, took to Instagram to challenge Ali’s perspective, particularly his reference to actress Kareena Kapoor Khan.
In her post, Nanda accused Ali of downplaying the systemic challenges women face in the industry, pointing out that Kapoor’s sense of safety stems from her privileged status. “Imtiaz Ali should stop pontificating about what women face in the entertainment industry. Naturally, a Kareena Kapoor is safe because she is privileged,” Nanda wrote.
She also questioned why the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa had chosen Ali to speak on behalf of women, suggesting it was an effort to “whitewash the truth.” Nanda argued that men without direct experience of the difficulties women encounter in the industry should refrain from commenting on such issues. “If they do, it should signify that real change is happening,” she added.
Tagging Ali in her post, Nanda expressed her disappointment with his statements at IFFI, urging him to reconsider his stance. She stressed that the filmmaker’s lack of personal experience made him an inappropriate voice on women’s issues.
At the IFFI event, Ali had spoken about women’s safety in Bollywood, sharing his observations from two decades in the industry. Citing Kareena Kapoor Khan’s experience on the set of Jab We Met, he noted that she worked comfortably among male crew members, challenging the belief that success requires compromising one’s self-respect.
Ali emphasized that many women in the industry feel pressured to compromise but highlighted the importance of maintaining self-respect. “Those who respect themselves and say ‘no’ when necessary will earn the respect of others and find genuine opportunities,” he said. He also warned against the long-term harm of giving in to such pressures, asserting that true success comes from confidence and integrity.
Nanda’s sharp critique has reignited discussions on gender dynamics and privilege in Bollywood, with her comments shedding light on the complex realities women face in the industry.