Bollywood has always shown strong support in tough times, with crews backing the cast, producers supporting their teams, and actors advocating for behind-the-scenes talent. Recently, makeup artist
Namrata Soni said she received support from A-listers like
Salman Khan and
Shah Rukh Khan during the ban on female makeup artists.
Speaking to ANI, Namrata recalled her struggles to work as a makeup artist following a ban on women in the industry.
“I didn't know how to do it. I remember I used to work at the Film City and my 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".
Namrata shared a scary experience with the union, saying producers told her to hide in the vanity car when threats came to the set. Luckily, as she began to stand up for herself, several A-listers came to support her. “I was very blessed and very lucky that I got to work with amazing people like Farah Khan,
Karan Johar, Sonam Kapoor, Sameera Reddy, Katrina Kaif who supported me,” Namrata said.
The celebrities expressed their support loudly, saying, “No, we want to work with her. We are willing to stand by her and fight the union when they come to set.” Soni added, “I was very lucky to have people like Shah Rukh and Salman by my side. I feel blessed and glad I fought.” In 2014, the Supreme Court of India lifted all restrictions on women in the cinema workforce.