Namrata Soni recounts SRK Salman stood by her amid restrictions on women make-up artistes
Namrata Soni recounts SRK Salman stood by her amid restrictions on women make-up artistes
In the backdrop of restrictions on women make-up artists for working in Bollywood make-up artist Namrata Soni shared her professional life, recalling the hardships faced by her while challenging the union rule in Mumbai that banned women make-up artists from working in Bollywood
Notably, for Namrata Soni, from working on film sets and opting for an entrepreneurial route and launching her beauty brand Simply Nam in 2020, has undoubtedly come a long way as a make-up artist.
In a two-decade-long professional journey, she left many entranced with the magic that she has created with her makeup brushes. Be it Rani Mukerji or Sonam Kapoor, a lot of Bollywood divas depend on Namrata when it comes to getting their make-up done before making a grand appearance before the public.
But, her journey has been full of twists ‘n’ turns, pushing her to the limits that one can hardly think to bounce back from.
In a media interaction Namrata got opened up on her professional life, recounting the hassles she faced while challenging the union rule in Mumbai that “banned” women make-up artists from working in Bollywood.
There was a time when women were not allowed to do make-up…So she used to be fighting with the union to be able to work in this industry. It was very hard honestly. She didn’t know how to do it. She remembered when she used to work at the Film City and her parents would get threatening phone calls saying ‘if your daughter doesn’t stop being a make-up artist, we’re going to cut off her hands.
The struggle that Namrata faced wasn’t just restricted to her. Her fight for justice made it difficult for her parents as well. Her mother was even prompted to ask Namrata to stop working.
The actress further recounted that it was very tough for her parents. My mom was very scared and even told her to give up the job.
Amidst such threats, Namrata’s will didn’t break as she continued her fight to get justice.
The actress further pointed out that
We live in a secular country and
had a woman president. It’s so strange when people would. tell her what she can do and cannot do in her chosen career.
She further added that It wasn’t easy to deal with the union. It was very scary, to be honest. Initially, I didn’t know any better. They would say go hide in the vanity car and (we will) tell you when to come back on set. She did that the first two, three times. Then apologised but she is not going to stand up for herself
When odds stood against her, Shah Rukh Khan, Farah Khan and Salman Khan supported
Namrata.
She added that she was blessed and to be lucky enoygh she got an opportunity to work with amazing people like Farah Khan, Karan Johar, Sonam Kapoor, Sameera Reddy, Katrina Kaif who supported me. They said, ‘no, they want to work with her. They willed to support and her and fight when the union comes on set.
She was much relieved .
when the Supreme Court in 2014 put an end to decades-old practice in Bollywood that restricted women from working as make-up artists in the film industry,
Namrata’s inspiring journey has motivated many women to become makeup artists. She continues to change the dynamics of the field with her constant efforts dedicated towards the betterment of the industry.
News Edit KV Raman
