NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he will ensure that the names of his female co-stars precede his in the credits of his forthcoming films in order to help change attitudes towards women in India.
Khan told NDTV news channel Thursday that the change will begin with his next film "Chennai Express," that is under production.
Khan, 47, is one of Bollywood's biggest stars and male superstars in India are seen as the big draw for audiences and their names usually come first as a film's credits roll.
In a country where women are routinely pushed into subservience, Bollywood's portrayal of women is no different. For the most part the female lead's job is to pout and make the male protagonist look good.