DECEMBER 23: It's a controversy in Bollywood in which few industrywallahs are willing to make up. For years, a simple, yet ironcast convention has ruled the dressing rooms of stars: Women will be hairdressers while men will apply the foundation and do the make-up. But now, two women have staked their claim for entry into the all-male world of powder puffs and mascara.In September, the Cine Costume and Make-up Artistes' Association (CCMAA) received applications from Michelle Tung and Lisa John, asking for membership. CCMAA members were shocked. In the 44 years of their existence, they had never even considered that women might want to become make-up artists in Bollywood. Today, three months down the line, the membership request has become a women's rights issue. While the men are still ``thinking'' about it, the women are busy garnering support.Their biggest supporter is producer Yash Chopra. A letter to CCMAA on a Yash Raj films letterhead, dated September 29 states: ``Entering the 21st century, it isreally sad to discriminate women's position and status in our society. When a lady can become a music director, singer, musician, dialogue writer, director, editor.. how can we stop her from working as a make-up artist.''But Chopra's more immediate concern is his under-production film Mohabattein, directed by Aditya Chopra. In his first letter to the CCMAA, he has stated that since his shooting was scheduled to begin in October and he wanted to use the services of the two artists, they should be given membership immediately.But the CCMAA is unmoved. ``We have a procedure to follow,'' explains Satish R Pillai, general-secretary of the organisation. ``This is the first time our association has received such a request. Our bye-laws don't have a provision for women being part of the make-up section. We will discuss it at our annual general body meeting and a decision will be taken subsequently.'' This AGM is likely to be held in January or February. ``We can't hurry it up just because of a film.Procedure will have to be followed and till then Mr Chopra cannot use the services of the two artists,'' added Pillai.Till then Tung and John cannot work in films or television serials. Known in the advertising world for their skillful makeovers and their work on pretty faces like Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen and Madhuri Dixit, the two cannot break into the TV and film world just yet.An agreement signed between producers and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) way back in the 50s clearly states that producers will only use artists including dancers, make-up men, hairdressers, stuntmen, among others registered with the respective associations. Any attempt to break this ``contract'' is not appreciated by the Federation. Citing examples of Madhuri Dixit and Manisha Koirala, a CCAMM member says: ``Both these actresses walked onto sets one day with their own personal make-up artists. They were clearly told that they would have to choose a personal artist from within the association andnot from outside. They complied.''This time, though, things might not be that simple. Letters are flying to and fro between various organisations and they all have something to say about this situation.The Film Producers Guild of India Limited has also taken up the cause. In his representation, Surinder Kapoor, honorary President, stated: ``Your refusal to grant membership on the grounds that they are ladies is a grievous attack on the fundamental rights of women.'' On their part, umbrella body the FWICE, in a letter dated December 20, have asked the CCMAA to ``look into the suggestions of the AIFPC and if feasible kindly do the needful.''``But we cannot do anything immediately,'' stresses Pillai. ``When the association was started in 1955, there were no female make-up artists. At that point nobody anticipated that one fine day they will decide that they want to do this.'' And even while the association says it has an open mind on the subject, not everybody is convinced.An old hand at make-up,Ram Patriwar is considered an authority on the subject. Having worked as tragedy queen Meena Kumari's personal make-up artist, Patriwar is not very sure if women will manage to ``cope'' with the job. ``Being a make-up artist is a highly stressful job,'' he told Express Newsline. ``One has to put up with the numerous moods of the stars and it can be very trying. Also, make-up artists don't get the respect they used to. I am not sure if female make-up artists, will be able to handle it.''
