interview
Viva interviews feminist thinkers, trailblazing women and female leaders from all walks of life.
The Evolution of Women’s Stories in Indian Cinema Today
Film and cinema are widely used mass media that greatly impact perceptions, sway opinions, and uphold established cultural norms. By constructing an alternate reality, they provide audiences all over the world with entertainment and a means of escape from daily life. Furthermore, movies can change people's perspectives and contribute to the development of new social, cultural, and political ideals. Indian cinema has long played an important role in Indian culture, influencing both society and people's lives in different ways. Movies have a direct and indirect impact on people's speech, social behaviour, and fashion choices. From classic mythological films to "Bollywoodized" versions of popular Hollywood productions, Indian cinema has changed over time. Indian cinema started to take a more politically and socially conscious stance in the 1970s.
By Hridya Sharmaabout a year ago in Viva
How Stridhan Empowers Women in Land Inheritance Issues
Women in Hindu society have historically possessed limited rights when it comes to ancestral land ownership. Unlike their male counterparts, they have not enjoyed equal access to land inherited from their ancestors since ancient times, largely due to the traditional concept of Stridhan within Indian culture. This custom has influenced the extent of women's rights in land inheritance. Legislation such as the Hindu Succession Amendment Act (2005) introduced a new principle of equality, ensuring that women receive the same inheritance rights as men, particularly regarding land.
By Hridya Sharmaabout a year ago in Viva
The Tale of Pretty Privilege and How It Influences Women
How familiar are we with the concept of Pretty Privilege? It's common to think that individuals considered conventionally attractive—whether male or female—have an easier life than those who don't meet societal beauty standards. This perception is supported by evidence that beautiful people often receive better grades, have favorable job interview outcomes, enjoy increased opportunities, and grow up with greater self-esteem and confidence, as they frequently receive compliments about their looks. However, the implications of pretty privilege extend beyond mere superficial advantages. Often, it stems from internal biases and societal perceptions. This article explores the complexities of pretty privilege and its connections to longstanding issues of sexism and patriarchy, as well as its ongoing discussions in today's social media landscape.
By Hridya Sharmaabout a year ago in Viva
Elevating Aviation Careers
The aviation industry is undergoing a transformation. As the demand for skilled professionals in aviation continues to rise, companies are increasingly looking for ways to foster diverse talent and expand opportunities for underrepresented communities. In an exciting move to shape the future of aviation careers, American Airlines has announced a partnership with Florida Memorial University (FMU), a historically Black university in South Florida. This collaboration is set to break barriers, expand career opportunities, and provide crucial training for the next generation of aviation professionals.
By Horace Wasabout a year ago in Viva
Work it, Girl!: Discovering the Tailors of Undergarments in Pasig City
Back in 1913, to replace the corset, Mary Phelps Jacob designed a modern bra made out of two handkerchiefs and a ribbon sewed together. In 1914, she was granted a U.S. patent for her invention and called it, "Backless Brassiere." Moreover, the modern panty was introduced in the late 19th century.
By Robert Tamayo Jr.2 years ago in Viva
Review of The Mother of the Bride: Climax clichés and gorgeous settings mask a generic plot.
Review of The Mother of the Bride: Climax clichés and gorgeous settings mask a generic plot. Ever wanting to escape in the picturesque beauties of nature while aimlessly wandering in the darkness with no mobile phone or a torch, sounds like a morbid plan without thoughtful execution behind it. While it is a celebratory year as this year is marked as a renewal of the cherish of romantic comedies with movies like Anyone But You, Idea of You, Players and many more, Netflix's most recent romantic comedy released in the week of Mother’s day, The Mother of the Bride tries to sell the second chance romance in the exotic location of Phuket, Thailand, yet its formulaic plot and half baked characteristic execution makes it dull and cliched. Let's dive deeper into the nuances of the plot.
By Hridya Sharma2 years ago in Viva
The detrimental impact of aesthetic norms on emotional wellness
What are beauty standards and where do they stem from? Beauty standards are cultural beliefs that influence social power and dictate how individuals should look to be socially accepted. These standards encompass physical features like facial appearance, skin, and body shape, and can be either innate or alterable. Terms like "attractive," "pretty," and "good looking" are used to describe adherence to these standards. It can be challenging to determine which features can be changed and which cannot. Not conforming to societal beauty standards by refusing to alter one's appearance is often viewed as a moral failure. For instance, wearing makeup is not a natural or biological choice, but rather influenced by current trends.
By Hridya Sharma2 years ago in Viva












