In 2020, the Oscars announced a group of all-white acting nominees that enraged the media strategist and activist April Reign. She came up with the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite, which created a huge impact on the audience and the academy as well. In a historic move, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences raised the inclusion bar for best picture nominees that year. As per their new reforms and diversity standards, a movie would have to meet two out of four of the eligibility requirements to make it to the category of Best Picture.
Well, some might argue that these changes are not as strict or impactful as they seem, but it’s a step toward change nonetheless. Hollywood has a long way to go before turning into a fully diversified and inclusive entertainment industry, and Deepika Padukone agrees. In a recent interview with Vogue India, the actress called out the industry’s halfhearted attempts at diverse casting and how it is failing to grasp the concept of diversity.
She said that the conversation around diversity in Hollywood is surface-level and added, “The minute you have a Black or Asian actor, it’s considered ‘diverse casting’. But we have a long way to go before we start seeing substantial change. I feel like 80 per cent of the people in charge are still looking at inclusive casting as a box to be ticked.”
Earlier, actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas also opened up about the lack of diversity in Hollywood and how her production company was aiming to influx the industry with brown people. While talking about such authentic attempts, DP said, “No doubt, there are some who are genuinely interested in turning the tide, but they are getting it quite wrong. It’s a learning process and I hope it’s an earnest one.”
Deepika made her debut in Hollywood with the movie xXx: Return of Xander Cage in 2017 opposite Vin Diesel. She will soon be seen in a cross-cultural romantic comedy by Eros STX Global Corporations’ division STXfilms. Her production company, Ka Productions, will also co-produce the flick. While talking about her firm, she said, “Ka Productions was founded with the aim to develop and produce purposeful content with global appeal. I’m thrilled to be partnering with STXfilms and Temple Hill Productions, who share Ka’s ambition and creative vision and look forward to bringing impactful and dynamic cross-cultural stories to the world.”
Well, we are glad that our desi girls are initiating conversations around diversity and inclusivity in Hollywood, and we hope that the industry is listening. We’re also eagerly waiting for DP to share more updates about her new movie!
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