Disha Patani's 'Transparent' Top Turns Up The Heat... On Sexist Headlines

Disha Patani apparently stepped out recently in clothes that sent some digital news platforms into a spiral. Describing her top as 'transparent,' certain headlines screamed how viewers would not be able to take their eyes off her and how the actor had "increased heartbeats." The choice of outfit in question is a white co-ordinated set comprising a crop top and trousers that Patani wore to the airport.

Women actors are no strangers to objectification, especially that which accompanies their dressing decisions. Paparazzi and social media, working in tandem, ensure that everything celebrities wear or do is sensationalised to the extent that it hits headlines. One would think that there is no news value to a harmless crop top. But hand it to Indian media for finding what doesn't exist.

The blog page where the headline - 'Disha Patani reached the airport wearing a transparent top, whoever saw it could not remove her eyes!' - was shared reflects that there are not many views on it. But these unnoticed headlines add to become part of a larger culture that has normalised the sexualisation of women with impunity.

Suggested Reading: This Women’s Day Let’s Beat All Of These Double Standards In Indian Society

Does the media, however small or large its outlets, not hold accountability towards reporting that is at least responsible, if not worthy? Are sensationalist headlines not open invitations for trolling the person they concern? Should our media become channels of unsafety for women?

Unfortunately, tabloid journalism is what sells across markets. Everyone wants in on the juicy gossip, the scandals and controversies, the behind-the-scenes. Audience voyeurism knows no bounds and is always relevant, which gives a passage to unethical media to cash in on eyeball-grabbing, even if it comes at the cost of decency. Who is at the receiving end of this all? Women.

The cameras wait, vulture-like, to capture even the most minor slips; a woman actor's skirt flying up or someone tripping in their heels gets more coverage than any other empowering things these people may have done.

Suggested Reading: Indian Media Gives Masterclass In Crass Coverage As Malaika Arora Ditches Her Bra

Something similar transpires almost everyday on paparazzi pages splashed across social media but most notably, happened with Malaika Arora when she stepped out of her home for a morning walk without a bra in January. The sexist commentary was fuelled manifold by headlines put out by certain channels who positioned themselves in apparent praise for her.

"Malaika Arora Goes Boldly Braless, Send Temperatures Soaring..." one headline read. Read an opinion on it here.

In a society that still morally polices women for their wardrobe choices - whether it be ditching the bra or picking a white crop top to wear - should the media add to the noise by highlighting what they know will encourage criticism? Is crass reportage becoming the norm? But for whom is this content being produced? Should the finger be pointed at the media, the audience or both?

Views expressed are the author's own.