Breaking new ground in amplifying diverse voices, Prime Video India has today unveiled the latest session of 'Maitri: Female First Collective'—an initiative that brings together women from Indian entertainment to celebrate their successes, discuss challenges and figure solutions to overcome roadblocks. Launched in 2022, this collective curates a forum where prominent women from across the Indian media and entertainment ecosystem can engage in candid dialogue, sharing their unique journeys, triumphs, and visions for change.
The first session debuted in 2022, and including today’s, a total of 6 sessions have already connected various women in the industry. All of these feature women who work in front of the camera or behind it, be it in production or corporate roles, who through dialogue set the stage for thought-provoking conversations that promise to inspire and empower.
When does the new session launch and who will feature in it?
The session launched today, September 19, features 7 eminent women from India’s media and entertainment industry. They include actors Ananya Panday and Kritika Kamra, screenwriter and creator Ishita Moitra, director and writer Tanuja Chandra, director and editor Namrata Rao, and journalist and founder and editor of Beatroot News Faye D'Souza. The session was moderated by Smriti Kiran, creator and curator, Maitri and founder, Polka Dots LightBox.
What is the female gaze in entertainment?
Broadly, the ‘female gaze’ refers to the ways in which women and girls look at other females, males, and all things in the world.
In entertainment, it refers to storytelling that centres on women, driven by their inner worlds and motivations rather than by men. It emphasises female agency and perspectives, focusing on how women view the world and make decisions.
The role of female representation in pioneering change
The participants shared personal anecdotes on how the female gaze is imperative to changing the narratives, leading to richer and more complex portrayals on screen. “Over time, I have become much more vocal about what I stand for,” says Ananya Panday on her evolving approach to selecting stories she wants to be a part of. “I know I can contribute and ask for changes when something doesn’t align with my beliefs. Today, I choose projects that portray real, flawed, but honest women, and I take responsibility to ensure my work reflects those beliefs. If I can make people feel comfortable in their own skin through my roles, then I’m happy.”
Kritika Kamra discusses how streaming has helped create a space for female gaze in stories. “I’ve played a gangster—something I never thought I’d do. This is possible because the writing has changed, platforms are commissioning diverse shows, and audiences are accepting them,” she says.
Further, the panelists explored the evolving role of women in the industry, noting greater opportunities to assert their voices and break through gender biases, resulting in more authentic and nuanced representations of female characters. “It’s about the perspectives you bring, not just gender. The younger generation, including men, is thinking differently, and this shift is already visible on screen, with much more to come in the next decade,” says Ishita Moitra.
The panel acknowledged that despite notable progress, gender imbalance persists. According to Tanuja Chandra positive change for better female representation and equality in the industry is not happening quickly enough, while Namrata Rao expressed delight at the opportunity to work with a female crew in her directorial debut, and the need for more such projects. Faye D'Souza went on to say that she believes real systemic change will happen when it benefits everyone from lead actors to crew members, with Smriti Kiran concluding that continuous dialogue is essential for shifting mindsets and addressing industry imbalances.
Prime Video starting impactful dialogue in the creative community
Prime Video is committed to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within its content and productions, as well as with its partners in the creative community. Through Maitri: Female First Collective, Prime Video aims to highlight the pivotal role women play in the entertainment industry.
Highlights from the session are now available on Maitri’s YouTube page.
