Actor Barun Sobti, currently starring in Kohrra Season 2 on Netflix, has sparked conversation around deep-rooted gender bias in the entertainment world, calling out the discomfort some men reportedly feel in the presence of strong, authoritative women. His comments made during a recent interview shed light on ongoing challenges women face in professional spaces, both on and off screen.
Discomfort with Female Authority
Sobti, who plays a police officer reporting to a female superior played by Mona Singh in Kohrra Season 2, said the power dynamics depicted in the show reflect real-life attitudes that continue to exist in workplaces. According to the actor, many men still struggle with taking direction from women and become visibly uncomfortable even when women assert themselves during discussions.
“It depends on the family you’ve grown up in, but yes, this is a common notion, and we cannot deny it,” Sobti said while speaking to Hindustan Times. He clarified that he was not generalising all men, but pointed out that such behaviour occurs widely enough to be noticeable.
His remarks have resonated with audiences amid broader industry debates about representation and equality, especially as more female characters and creators make strides in Indian film and streaming content.
Career Impact and OTT Growth
Beyond social commentary, Sobti also reflected on his own career trajectory, noting that the rise of OTT (over-the-top) platforms, such as Netflix, significantly expanded opportunities for actors like him. He credited Kohrra with bringing him not only visibility but industry recognition, distinguishing it from other projects he worked on earlier in the streaming space.
“If I had to narrow it down, things changed when OTT shows started doing well,” he said, recounting how earlier work such as Asur helped elevate his profile. But it was Kohrra that dramatically shifted how the industry viewed his work, leading to more offers and projects.
The first season of Kohrra was critically acclaimed and widely seen as a turning point in Sobti’s digital career. The ongoing second season has likewise drawn praise for its intense narrative and strong performances.
Industry Recognition and Broader Gender Conversations
Sobti’s comments arrive at a moment when gender bias in Indian media continues to be scrutinised, with many advocating for stronger female representation both in front of and behind the camera. His statement serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, ingrained attitudes about authority and gender persist.
Several co-stars, including Mona Singh, have also been lauded for portraying nuanced, powerful women on screen, further contributing to these cultural conversations. As Kohrra continues to stream, audiences and critics alike are engaging with the series not just as entertainment, but as a lens on social issues like patriarchy and leadership dynamics.
By – Sonali