Jason Zangara, MPH, MA, a U.S. public health & safety expert, challenges Bollywood’s systemic gender and color discrimination with a powerful legal petition.
A Bold Stand Against Bollywood’s Inequality
Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India, is one of the largest and most influential cinematic sectors globally. With its massive audience spanning over 1.4 billion people, Bollywood has long been a cultural force, shaping societal norms, trends, and ideals. However, within this influential industry lies a deeply ingrained problem: gender and color-based discrimination. This bias affects not only the careers of women and people of color but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes that ripple throughout society.
In a landmark move to challenge this systemic inequality, Jason Zangara, MPH, MA, a U.S. firefighter and public health & safety expert, submitted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition in India’s Supreme Court. Zangara, motivated by a deep commitment to justice and armed with data, is taking on Bollywood’s biased practices head-on. His mission is to challenge and dismantle the gender and color prejudices that have been entrenched in the industry for decades.
The Mission: A Public Health & Safety Expert Taking a Stand for Justice
Zangara, CEO of Fire & Emergency Services Consultants, is a recognized public health and safety expert with a passion for addressing systemic inequalities. His background in advocacy coupled with his personal connection to the Indian community in the U.S., has fueled his drive to make a difference. He isn’t just advocating for equality within Bollywood; he’s fighting for the dignity, self-esteem, and opportunities of millions of women and people of color, both in India and across the world.
“I’ve spent my career fighting for equity and fairness, and the harm caused by Bollywood’s systemic discrimination is something I could not ignore,” Zangara says. “These harmful biases aren’t limited to the film industry; they spread into real-world perceptions and opportunities. The time for change is now.”
The Shocking Findings: A Deep Dive Into Bollywood’s Systemic Inequality
Zangara’s PIL is supported by extensive research that highlights the persistent discrimination in Bollywood. Analyzing over 250 films released from 2010 to 2025, he uncovered alarming trends:
- 96.8% of lead roles were awarded to men.
- 99.6% of lead roles were cast with fair-skinned actors.
- An 85–90% gender pay gap between male and female actors.
These statistics paint a clear picture of exclusion, where women—especially those with darker skin—are systematically sidelined in both lead roles and fair pay. Zangara’s petition argues that these discriminatory practices violate several fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, including equality (Article 14), non-discrimination (Article 15), and the right to dignity (Article 21).
“The ramifications of these practices are far-reaching,” Zangara explains. “It’s not just about who gets to play the leading roles; it’s about how an entire culture sees women, people of color, and the values we place on diversity and fairness.”
Turning the Spotlight: The Legal Battle for Change
This PIL is not merely a challenge to Bollywood; it’s a battle for lasting change that extends to millions affected by these biases. Zangara’s petition also draws attention to high-profile instances of Bollywood’s discriminatory practices. One of these examples involves actress Deepika Padukone, a major Bollywood star, who reportedly exited a major film in June 2025 due to requesting an 8 hour day like her male costars. Another troubling instance occurred on June 8, 2025, when a casting call explicitly sought “fair” actors for a prominent role.
Zangara’s PIL underscores the economic damage to women in the industry, estimating that actresses have collectively lost between ₹6,250–8,750 crore over the past 15 years due to unequal pay and limited representation. It also references the psychological toll on the self-esteem of approximately 70 million women in India, citing a 2018 Indian Journal of Psychiatry study on the impact of colorism.
“I don’t think I would be able to live with the thought that despite the same kind of creative contribution as my male co-star, and bringing in the same kind of value to the film as him, I am being underpaid,” Padukone said in a 2021 interview with Vice.com
The Ripple Effect: A Global Issue
Zangara’s fight goes beyond India’s borders. Bollywood’s cultural reach extends to over 160 countries, influencing perceptions of beauty, talent, and opportunity around the world. This issue impacts not just Indian women and actors of color but also global audiences, particularly in countries with large Indian diaspora populations like the United States.
“As Bollywood’s influence grows, its discriminatory practices impact how people around the world perceive beauty, talent, and opportunity,” Zangara notes. “With over 5.2 million Indian Americans in the U.S., this isn’t just an Indian issue—it’s a global one.”
The economic power of Bollywood is vast, generating $50–100 million annually in U.S. box office revenue alone, with states like New Jersey contributing significantly to this total. Zangara’s petition has already garnered international attention, with media outlets such as New India Abroad and PTC News calling for reform, highlighting that this issue resonates far beyond Indian borders.
A Vision for Change: Empowering Women and People of Color in Film
Zangara’s work goes beyond legal action. His ultimate goal is to overhaul Bollywood’s culture, ensuring equal opportunities for women and people of color both in front of and behind the camera. This fight isn’t just about the film industry—it’s about dignity, self-respect, and the principles that guide how all people should be treated.
“Im tired of watching these woman being stereotyped to always being some guys love interest. Womans should be next to us in the workplace, classroom and everywhere else.” Zangara says. “This isn’t just about Bollywood. It’s a broader fight for justice, equity, and fairness for all.”
Why This Matters: Take Action and Support the Fight for Equality
Zangara’s petition marks a crucial step in the ongoing struggle for equity within the entertainment industry. If you believe in the power of cinema to reflect the world as it should be—a world where equality, diversity, and inclusion are celebrated—now is the time to take a stand.
Follow updates on Zangara’s landmark legal petition and get involved in the conversation. Advocate for systemic change, not just in Bollywood, but in the broader fight for equality across the globe.
For more information and to follow the progress of this important legal action, visit Zangara’s social media channels: Instagram: @Jason.Zangara and X (Twitter): @Jasonzangaramph.
