'Criterion Is To Look Hot In Shorts': Tannaz Irani Slams Women 'Showing Legs' In Recent Films | Exclusive

Having worked on popular films such as Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein and Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, Tannaz Irani has been away from the big screen for many years. Her last film appearance was in Golmaal 3 where she was briefly seen in the song titled Aale. She also made her Hindi streaming debut (with Margao Files) years after many of her contemporaries.

But she doesn’t want to complain about the ageist nature of showbiz. Speaking exclusively to News18, Tannaz says, “Everyone’s experience here is very different. As a woman ages, the chances of her getting a role in India is a little bit less. But I’ve no authority to speak about women in their 40s and 50s because I’m in my ‘la la land’ and little fluff ball of happiness.”

The larger

issue, however, that affects her is the representation of women onscreen, particularly in theatrical films. “They need you to look a certain way. They just want you to be there for men to be attracted towards you. Today, you’ve a film on one side and there are these two characters with their legs and assets showing on the other side. The women are there just for that,” she rues.

Citing examples of films that she would rather not name, she points out the women characters, who were there only for visual pleasure. “Recently, we saw a couple of films. Both of them released at around the same time. Both of them are comedy films. Hats off to the pretty women starring in those films! I understand that it takes a lot to be that smashing and ravishingly beautiful,” she says.

“Though they really added to the screen, their role wasn’t anything [memorable]. They didn’t add to the story. They didn’t have any depth in their lines. I doubt they even got the chance to add layers to their characters because there was no characterisation and character sketch in the first place. The only criterion today is to look very, very hot in shorts,” Tannaz adds.

And this is precisely why she doesn’t want to express any concerns about her career. Looking back, she feels she has a lot to be grateful for. “I’ve always had the chance to play wonderful characters. I did TV even after Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. After that, I had a medical issue. I couldn’t walk and I was on the wheelchair. During that time, I wasn’t available to shoot,” she recalls.

Read More: Tannaz Irani Recalls Being On Wheelchair Before Hip Replacement Surgery: ‘I Never Lost Hope’

“That aside, I’ve always been given roles that made me push myself. So, I wouldn’t be the person who says that the industry hasn’t given her justice. This industry has been fabulous to a person like me who couldn’t speak two lines in Hindi. I think I’ve done some of the best roles in some of the best films. All of them got recognition. None of my characters ever got edited out,” Tannaz adds.

Tannaz Irani is a popular television and film actress known for shows like Zabaan Sambhal Ke, Yes Boss, and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii. She is married to actor Bakhtiyar Irani, and the couple has often appeared together on reality shows. Tannaz was last seen in Bigg Boss 17, where she entered the house as a family guest to support Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain.