Tamannaah Bhatia discusses the uncomfortable reality of women in South films, item songs
Actress Tamannaah Bhatia has spoken about the different expectations from women in Hindi and South cinema. He said that while defending dance numbers as a form of popular culture, commercial South films can be more restrictive.
Actress Tamannaah Bhatia recently spoke about the differences between the Hindi and South Indian film industries, saying that female actors in the South often face more stringent expectations when it comes to the balance between glamor and performance. Reflecting on her two-decade-long career, Bhatia said she understands why some people describe the South Indian industry’s approach as “patriarchal” and not always complimentary towards women.
❮❯
in an interview with forbes indiaThe 36-year-old actor discussed the difference between the Hindi industry and South cinema. She pointed out that while the Hindi film industry allows actors to choose between commercial and performance-driven roles, the South industry often demands that female stars excel in both to maintain a long career.
He said, “In the Hindi film industry, there are two kinds of actors. Those who have a slightly more artistic approach to things, it is better for them to play certain kinds of characters. They certainly cannot do glamorous songs and dances. The Hindi film industry really gives you a chance to do either or the other, and those who do both inevitably become superstars.”
On the other hand, for South Cinema bahubali The actor wrote how he found the gaze problematic.
She further added, “When I entered the South Industry, I understood why people might call it by many names. Like it’s a very specific look. It’s a patriarchal kind of feeling or it’s a look that is not very flattering.”
Bhatia said that commercial South cinema places significant emphasis on an actor’s ability to command both performance-oriented roles and glamorous song-and-dance numbers. According to her, female artistes who have enjoyed longevity in the industry are often those who have successfully balanced both aspects of stardom.
She said, “The South needed that star quality to be able to do that, so I personally feel like cinema is restrictive in that sense or even more than that. I’m talking about when you want to make it from a business point of view.”
Tamannaah also defended the dance numbers, saying that she preferred to see them as “party songs” rather than “item songs”. Citing examples like Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, he said that songs are often more vibrant than the films in which they appear and can become cultural phenomena in their own right.
How he likes the songs Chammak Challo And Sheela’s youth The film did not perform well but still did well.
On the work front, Bhatia was last seen odella 2sequel to Odela Railway Station. She will next be seen in Vivaan, in which she will star opposite Sidharth Malhotra. This film is scheduled to release in 2026.
She is also set to headline Ragini 3 produced by Balaji Motion Pictures.