Still a challenge for women in entertainment industry: JLo

Los Angeles, March 22 (IANS) Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez, who has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over two decades, feels the times are still challenging for women in the industry.

Lopez got her first big break with "Selena", which completed 20 years since its release on March 21, 1997. She portrayed the rise and murder of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla-Perez in the biopic.

"('Selena') was a meaty role, but it was few and far between, especially for Latinos to have a role like that," Lopez told variety.com.

"I think it's still challenging for women, especially being Latina. Thinking about 'Selena' 20 years ago and to have a role like that, I was very lucky. I was very fortunate. But it's still a struggle for women," she added.

Lopez went on to add there is a phase in life when people need to create opportunities for themselves and that's why she turned producer.

"At this point, you have to create your own opportunities and I think that's why I got so much more into producing and taking into our own hands as an artist," she said.

"I think it's the second phase of your career -- you kind of make a name for yourself and show everybody what you do and where your talents lay, and then you have to take it into your own hands and be the artist that you want to be. I think (the industry) is still moving and growing, and it's always a challenge for women," she added.