

On Shah Rukh Khan, dal-sabzi feminism, and the emotional-state of an economy ft. Shrayana Bhattacharya
7 snips Jan 2, 2025
In today's discussion, Shrayana Bhattacharya, an economist at the World Bank and author of "Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh," shares insights on how Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan intertwines with the lives of Indian women. She explores their struggles for independence, the emotional nuances of economic behavior, and the stark gender gap in the workforce. Shrayana sheds light on the complexities of women's identities linked to fandom, societal roles, and the dynamic nature of urban challenges, advocating for systemic changes to support women's empowerment.
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Incense Stick Survey
- Shrayana Bhattacharya's research began while surveying women in Ahmedabad who made incense sticks.
- They were uninterested in discussing wages and preferred talking about their favorite actor, Shah Rukh Khan.
Unsafe Spaces
- Movie halls in smaller towns and cities are often male-dominated spaces.
- This makes them unsafe for women, highlighting a barrier to female fandom.
Diverse Backgrounds
- Shrayana Bhattacharya's book explores the economic and social situations of women in India.
- It features ten women from diverse backgrounds, whose common link is their love for Shah Rukh Khan.