That is, a heroine can get a 100 percent opening across India. Preity Zinta, best known for her dimples and foghorn laughter, carried a film on her seemingly fragile shoulders. Even in Bihar, where Govinda and David Dhawan reign supreme, the audiences thronged in.
Women are second-class citizens in Bollywood.
It's the same for film industries across the world. But Hollywood is less unequal. Any actress worth her mascara has her own production deal, including ing nues like Drew Barrymore. And there are scores of clout-wielding women directors and producers. And heroines, who enjoy the most visibility, money and clout, seem reluctant to use it.