Amrita Arora lost her role in the film Season’s Greetings, after the makers found that she was pregnant, but the industry says the move may be justified. “It’s no big deal,” said actress Raveena Tandon, adding: “If an actress is visibly pregnant, and is playing the role of a single girl, it’ll obviously look odd.”
Actress Pooja Bedi, mother-of-two, called it a catch-22 situation. “While the predicament of the filmmaker is obvious, I can also understand her dismay at losing out on a project because of her condition.” Actress Smriti Irani, who was acting even during her pregnancy, said, “If the script demands an ouster, it shouldn’t be done unceremoniously.”
Writer Veena Rao, who volunteers with feminist organisations, said, “Such clauses make it impossible for woman to balance their career with their private lives. The filmmakers ought to be more accommodating.” Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt said generally there is an understanding between the producer and the actress that “she can’t put the film in jeopardy”. “The leading lady is expected to be a symbol of desire,” he explained.
The film’s producer UTV said “It was a mutual decision. She was in the loop,” said a UTV source. Amrita couldn’t be reached for comment.
The film’s producer UTV said “It was a mutual decision. She was in the loop,” said a UTV source. Amrita couldn’t be reached for comment.