The Glorification To Inferiorization Of Sex Workers In Bollywood!

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From Pakeezah to Gangubai Kathiawadi, if one thing that hasn’t changed much, it is the romanticisation of sex workers in Bollywood!

In fact, with every new film, their portrayal has more been played with ― from slotting them best-composed item numbers to showing their life revolving around the male protagonist ― sex workers in Bollywood are either shown as the face of women’s power ― the one who controls her life herself and choose to live on her own terms or a complete damsel in distress ― who has a heart of pure gold and needs a man for her rescue!

Of course, there have been a few films that reflected a darker side of the lives in brothels and did try to portray sex workers as who they are. Still, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that somewhere, in the mise-en-scene, their story got twisted and lost!

With the representation of women as a whole, the depiction of sex workers in Hindi cinema is also very limited and dichotomous in nature. Women in sex work are shown as either the ones who are greedy for money, have no self-respect, the vamps, or the ones who are, though, in the business but are chaste at heart. These are fallen women yet not fallen.
International Journal of Modern Agriculture

Sex workers: the damsel in distress

When not limited to item numbers, sex workers are often shown as the ‘abla naari’ who undoubtedly wants to get rid of her condition but needs a man to rescue her.

In movies like Laga Chunari Mein Daag, the protagonist is shown not being able to get rid of her old life despite gaining financial independence and acceptance from her family until the hero of the film accepts her and pulls her out of her misery.

I mean, wasn’t the woman gutsy enough to make a better decision of her own life?

The domestication of sex workers

In another film, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, the protagonist is shown as a good-hearted sex worker who is paid a big amount to be a surrogate mother to an elite couple. Halfway through the movie, she undergoes some makeup, wardrobe changes and falls in love with the hero. That’s it! Now her whole life revolves around a man and her child ― just like a typical portrayal of an Indian woman.

While I am not against the prioritisation of family and children, is it necessary to domestify a sex worker to get her some praise? Is it necessary for her to wear a saree, bangles and have a ache gharane ka pati to get some respect in society?

Chori Chori Chupke Chupke was neither the first nor the last film to do so.

The selfless and sacrificial one

Another category of sex workers that’s often depicted in movies ― the one who seduces all but loves one only to leave him in the climax for the morally accepted heroine.

There has been a number of movies, like Ishaqzaade, that have done the same with the side characters. These characters are hailed by the audience for the transformation of their heart.

But why is she shown undermining herself because of her profession?

_{In India, the term ‘sex worker’ was literally invented in front of our eyes. There was no poor woman or girl [in India] who thought that ‘sex’ and ‘work’ should go together!}
_{Ruchira Gupta, Founder, Anti-Trafficking NGO Apne Aap}

The inferiorization of sex workers

As mentioned earlier, these characters are shown in movies like Pakeezah and Devdas, where being a sex worker is a curse and the woman is nothing but a walking corpse. She is subjected to insults, considered impure and doesn’t deserve respect, basic rights to her lives or the tag of a woman as chalked by the society.

But she does get acceptance sometimes ― in some movies ― when the hero decides to accept her and give her his name and status.

Why is it that a woman is only validated when it comes from a man?

Sex workers in Bollywood: the common picture

What do you imagine while picturing a sex worker? A woman wearing a short dress or a bright saree, probably with a dark lipstick or chewing paan and with heavy kohl in eyes ― standing somewhere in the alleys of the red light area.

I won’t say Bollywood failed, but it could not justify the lives of sex workers completely either. While most of the films aim at drawing viewers’ attention from their item numbers, others go with the traditional way ― the way of domestication, inferiorization or validation.

Sex workers in Bollywood are either completely glorified or are shown as humans with no identity of their own.

It is interesting to note that in most of the Hindi films on prostitution, the women as prostitutes are shown as a leftover of the men. Either they are betrayed or misled, or widowed. It seems women are pushed into prostitution because of men, and then, only men can rescue them from this darkness.
International Journal of Modern Agriculture

People say that movies reflect the time we live in, but this is definitely not what the community of sex workers live in. The post-pandemic world has changed a lot for sex workers, and the pandemic hit them as much as any other vulnerable community we can think of.

It’s high time that filmmakers start considering every bit before depicting a sex worker in their movies ― ensuring that what they portray could help these marginalised communities in any possible way!

Highlights

Acne-prone skin is one of the toughest skin types to care for. You have to put in extra effort when it comes to skincare or makeup.

It is one of the most common problems that people encounter nowadays and, therefore, there is an abundance of products catering to people’s needs.

Here is a list of nine products that work best for acne along with a few points that should be kept in mind before buying products for acne-prone skin.

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Acne-prone skin is one of the toughest skin types to care for. You have to put in extra effort when it comes to skincare or makeup. From diet to hormones to stress and even genetics can contribute to acne breakouts. It is one of the most common problems that people encounter nowadays and, therefore, there is an abundance of products catering to people’s needs.

Before we give you a list of nine products that work best for acne, let’s look at a few points that should be kept in mind before buying products for acne-prone skin types.

Quality- There should never be any compromise in terms of quality when skin care is concerned. Ensuring that the products are dermatologically approved and clinically tested is very necessary.

Ingredients– Ingredients play a very important role when dealing with acne-prone skin. Skin can be easily damaged by harsh and chemical ingredients. Therefore, it is always advised to use products with mild and gentle ingredients that are soothing for the skin. Products with parabens and alcohol should be absolutely avoided.

Exfoliation– Accumulation of dead skin also aids in increasing acne. Therefore, removing dead cells from the skin is a very important part of the skincare regime. Exfoliation is required to avoid dull and lifeless skin. Natural and mild exfoliants work best for acne-prone skin. Products that contain AHAs and BHAs can be used because they help in clearing dead skin cells and prevent acne.

Hydration And Moisturization– Excess oil production is one of the major causes of breaking out, but that does not mean that acne-prone skin shouldn’t be moisturized. Anything containing oils should be avoided; instead, water-based products containing Hyaluronic acid and glycerin will work best.

acne types — Types of acne on the skin or pimples illustration

Below is a list of products that are suitable for acne prone skin.

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser– It is one of the best, dermatologically tested cleansers that is helpful for removing oil from a combination or blemished skin. The cleanser is completely non-fragrant that gently removes oil, dirt, and skin debris through its foaming action. It also helps the dry skin to rejuvenate. While removing impurities, it has no effect on the skin’s barrier and instead helps to keep it moisturized. It is designed to be used as an anti-aging medication that does not clog pores.

Himalaya face wash-With the goodness of neem, nimba, turmeric and haridra, Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash is enriched with unique qualities and herbal ingredients to treat acne on the skin and keep it healthy. It helps to remove excessive oil from the skin without making it very dry and dehydrated. It’s a good, trusted product that women have used for years, and it’s also very affordable.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash– Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash’s oil-free formula effectively gets to the deepest of pores and cleanses them. To prevent future inflammations, the Salicylic acid present in this Oil-Free Acne Face Wash soothingly removes all acne and pimples without dehydrating the skin. It’s gentle on the skin and does not cause any irritation.

Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub– People do feel a little hesitant to use scrubs on their face when it is already acne-prone. They fear that it will break them out because of its harsh particles. But this scrub is an answer to all the anxiety. It is enriched with natural ingredients like Wheat Germ Oil and Crab Apple that do not leave your skin feeling all dry ripped of any moisture, or irritable.

Dermalogica Active Moist– You got to try this if you are looking for a dermatologically tested moisturizer that does not irritate or overly mattify your acne-prone skin. This moisturizer contains ingredients like lavender, antioxidant-rich Cucumber Fruit with Silk Amino Acids, and Mallow that helps in soothing your skin, giving it an intensely hydrating experience without making it too oily. It applies easily and sheerly without feeling tacky on the skin. Also, as a bonus point, it is absolutely vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion– Tea Tree has been a holy grail for people who have been struggling with acne-prone skin. Its medicinal properties destroy acne-causing bacteria and help in reducing swelling and redness. The Body Shop has created this lightweight and clean formula using the properties of tea tree to cleanse pores, clear blemishes, and reduce sebum production. It is formulated to keep the skin feeling soft without any appearance of greasiness or oil on the skin. People who have tried it have loved it.

Kaya Ultra Light Aquagel Sunscreen SPF 25– It is one of the best sunscreens with SPF 25 for acne-prone skin that helps in protecting the skin from damaging UV rays without leaving the skin greasy or clogging the pores. It is a gel-based formula that does not leave a white cast while giving superior sun protection and a weightless matte finish.

Salicylic Acid 2% by Minimalist– Salicylic Acid is famously known for its ability to unclog pores and exfoliate the skin. It can help with deep cleansing by penetrating through oily skin and clogged pores. Minimalist’s Salicylic Acid 2% is formulated with RonaCare Salicylic Acid Extra Pure and aloe vera juice, making it soothing for irritated skin in case of a breakout. It helps in exfoliation, giving skin a flawless matt look. It is fragrant-free, silicon-free, and oil-free.

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution- One of the most difficult and stressful issues with acne is scarring. This serum helps in fading acne scars, evens out the skin tone, and lightens the dark spots in less than two weeks. Since it has Activated C A potent next-generation actives and White Birch extracts, making it one of the best acne treatments for acne-prone skin.

Kama Ayurveda Nimrah Anti Acne Face Pack– The benefits of Ayurvedic products for acne-prone skin cannot be overstated. Kama Ayurveda Nimrah Anti Acne Pack is one of the top products that works as an acne treatment. It is an effectual mix of Ashwagandha, Red Sandalwood, Vetiver, Lodhra, Liquorice, and Coriander. All of these ingredients are well-known for their ability to treat acne, pimple scarring, and dark circles. This pack can be used twice a week for better results.