Sonali Kulkarni on objectification of women in films: 'We are in phase where progress and challenges exist side by side' – Exclusive!

Few actors have balanced commercial and meaningful cinema as effortlessly as Sonali Kulkarni. Known for her grace, versatility, and powerful performances, Sonali has built a career by portraying characters that may not always be glamorous but are memorable, impactful, and indispensable to the story. Whether it is in Marathi cinema or Hindi films, she has consistently chosen roles that showcase substance over stereotypes.Over the years, Sonali has impressed audiences with her performances in films such as 'Mission Kashmir', 'Dil Chahta Hai', 'Doghi', 'Mukta', 'Gulabjaam', 'Kaccha Limbu', and the recently acclaimed 'Manvat Murders'. Her body of work has often been celebrated for presenting strong, nuanced women on screen.The conversation around the objectification of women in films has once again gained momentum following the release of 'Peddi', starring Janhvi Kapoor and Ram Charan. The debate surrounding 'Peddi' has brought the issue of women's representation in cinema into focus. A section of viewers and social media users criticized certain visuals and promotional material from the film, arguing that they objectified the female lead and reduced her role to a glamorous presence. Others, however, felt the criticism was premature and that the film should be judged in its entirety rather than through isolated clips or posters.ETimes reached out to Sonali Kulkarni to get her perspective on the representation of women in cinema. Here's what she had to say:"We have come a long way. Cinema reflects the society it comes from, and both are continually evolving. Yes, the objectification of women has existed, and these are all valid discussions around the representation of women on screen. At the same time, there has been significant progress, with more women-led narratives, stronger female characters, and greater representation behind the camera. There are also many films today that are truly empowering.Change takes time, and we are currently in a phase where progress and challenges exist side by side. Acknowledging the positive shifts while continuing to push for improvement can help accelerate meaningful change,Personally, the kind of meaty roles I have been fortunate to receive are absolutely to die for. Be it 'Mission Kashmir', 'Dayra', 'Doghi', 'Mukta', 'Gulabjaam', 'Kaccha Limbu', 'Manvat Murders', and many more, I have always been given substantial weightage and screen time. I have received immense appreciation from both audiences and critics, and that has made me feel stronger and deeply grateful."Sonali's career stands as an example of how meaningful female characters can leave a lasting impact. At a time when debates around representation and objectification continue to shape conversations within the industry, the actress believes it is equally important to acknowledge the progress that has been made while striving for further change. Her filmography, filled with layered and memorable performances, reflects the very evolution she speaks about—one where stronger stories for women are gradually finding more space on screen.