Sheeba Akashdeep Shares Her Thoughts on Women’s Day: ‘Believe in Your Voice and Your Worth’

As the world celebrates Women's Day, actress Sheeba Akashdeep shares her thoughts on how the film industry has evolved, the role of women in cinema, and the importance of gender equality. With a career spanning years in the industry, Sheeba has witnessed firsthand the changing landscape of female representation in films.

Reflecting on how the industry has progressed in giving women stronger roles, Sheeba acknowledges the shift from one-dimensional characters to more powerful and complex portrayals. "The film industry has certainly made progress in offering stronger, more complex roles for women. We're seeing a shift from one-dimensional stereotypes to fully realized characters with depth, agency, and flaws. Female-led films are proving their box office strength, and there's a growing demand for stories that aren't just centered on a woman's relationship to a man. That said, while progress is evident, true equality, both in terms of the diversity of roles and the power women hold behind the camera, is still a work in progress," she explains.

For Sheeba, inspiration comes from legendary actresses who changed the face of Indian cinema with their talent and dedication. She speaks fondly of the women who have influenced her, saying, "There are so many, but one who inspired me was Sridevi, her dedication to her craft, her ability to transform in every role, and the way she used her voice was amazing. Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil are the other absolutely refined performers." These women, known for their depth in performances, have set a high benchmark for storytelling and acting in Indian cinema.

When it comes to the way women are portrayed in media, Sheeba believes there's still a lot of work to be done. She expresses her desire for more independent and powerful female narratives, stating, "I'd love to see fewer portrayals of women as just love interests or supporting figures in a man's journey. Women's stories are vast, powerful, and deeply detailed, we are leaders, revolutionaries, survivors, and visionaries. It's time the industry embraces female characters who exist on their own terms, not just in relation to a male protagonist."

While discussing gender equality in the film industry, Sheeba acknowledges the progress but stresses that there is still a long way to go. "It's moving in the right direction, but 'enough' is a strong word. There are more female directors, writers, and producers stepping into positions of power, but we still see significant disparities in pay, opportunities, and recognition. Real change requires more than token representation, it needs systemic shifts, from funding diverse stories to ensuring that women, especially women of color, have an equal seat at the table in decision-making roles," she shares.

Finally, Sheeba has an important message for young women aspiring to join the film industry. Encouraging them to stay strong and confident, she advises, "Believe in your voice and your worth. The industry will test you, but never shrink yourself to fit someone else's idea of who you should be. Keep improving your craft, surround yourself with people who uplift you, and remember that resilience is just as important as talent. And most importantly, don't wait for permission, if the roles you want don't exist, create them. The world is always in need of more stories told through the female lens."

With these empowering words, Sheeba Akashdeep highlights the importance of perseverance, talent, and self-belief. As the film industry continues to evolve, voices like hers play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and equal future for women in cinema.