Women power: Talk of the town

This week it’s the women who make their mark.

Shakespeare very wisely said that, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness and others have greatness thrust upon them.” The entertainment industry is one that is based on the emotions it evokes in the audience; this can either elevate a person to demigod status or plunge them into anonymity. It’s all just a matter of a few hours of reel play.

In the past week, a few famous women have been given special mention for managing to win over audiences.

Last week Latin singer Shakira, popularly known for her smooth moves and endearing Latino accent, became the first Colombian to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The international star was also honoured with the Person of the Year Award by the Latin Recording Academy in a special Las Vegas ceremony on November 10. “It is truly an honour to be in the company of some of the greatest artists and legends of Latin music,” Shakira said after she received the award, according to Fox News Latino . The celebritycafe.com reported that Shakira’s latest achievement makes her the youngest person to ever receive the award.

The stars of fame are also shining bright for American country singer Taylor Swift, whose award count has probably exceeded her age. Swift was rewarded Entertainer of the Year at Country Music Association Awards on November 9, for the second time in a row, for an amazing year of excellent performances. During the last few years she spread her music to countries like Japan and Indonesia, scored hits all around the world and managed to be and remain country’s hottest young star for several years. She’s just the second woman to win the award twice, joining Barbara Mandrell, according to msnbc.msn.com. Fresh off her win, Swift is set to debut multiple singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart next week.

In the East, it is legendary actors Hema Malini and Jaya Prada who are being honoured for their dedication to their art. According to IANS, Malini and Prada will be honoured with Aadhi Aabadi Women Achievers awards for their contribution to Indian cinema. The award aims at recognising women who have achieved success and emerged as role models. The awards function will be held November 18 at Kamani Auditorium in Delhi.

For those with a feminist agenda, all these achievements bring glad tidings: women from all over the world are proving their worth in the world of entertainment.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th,  2011.