Power-Packed Female Characters In Bollywood Movies
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- 31 Aug 2022
How many times have you watched a Bollywood movie that undermines everything feminists stand for? How often do you see women portrayed as dancers in item songs or paraded around as arm candies?
For each “stereotypical” role a character plays, there is an emerging generation who wants a woman to do more. To keep up with this crowd, Bollywood cinema is blasting out beautifully-written women characters who are more than ‘objects’ and ‘things’.
Let us revisit some of the most iconic female characters in Hindi cinema out there!
Rani in Queen (2013) Played by Kangana Ranaut
The movie, Queen, couldn’t have come at a better time in society. Just when people started to get used to the concept of divorce and rejection, in walked Rani who got rejected by her fiance. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and ‘log kya kahenge’ she took initiative and chose to move on in life in the best possible way - by going on her honeymoon alone!
Famous dialogue: “Marriage isn’t the only source of happiness and endings for women, there is so much more to life,” screamed Rani.
Shashi Godbole in English Vinglish (2012) Played by Sridevi
We often see several role models in Bollywood and Hollywood theatres alike, but have you ever seen a mother and homemaker, going forward to take what she wants?
Sridevi’s character isn’t fluent in English and that embarrasses her family, making her feel small. So she sets out and learns this difficult language. Throughout the movie, she overcomes her insecurities and raises vital questions about the skills needed to be a good homemaker.
Meera in NH10 (2015) Played by Anushka Sharma
A gruesome story embedded with rape, misogyny and murder, this movie is not for the faint-hearted. Anushka Sharma’s character is a witness to several murders that are overlooked by everyone else because of the nature of the murders- honour killing. She’s grief-struck and beaten up but she still pushes on, despite what everyone else seems to believe about women. She kills each member of the gang who attacked the woman and killed her husband. NH10 is a heart-breaking story laced with sexism in society.
This movie raises questions about morality in India when it comes to “family matters” and “honour killing” in today’s time.
Vidya Bagchi in Kahaani Played by Vidya Balan
Vidya, played by Vidya Balan, is a pregnant woman who sets out to avenge her husband’s death. At a time when women are supposed to be their “weakest”, she conquers all and proves them wrong. This movie inspired several people to stop pretending women are fragile and can break easily when they’re pregnant. They’re adults regardless of their pregnancy.
Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 2 (2012) Played by Rani Mukerji
Rani Mukerji’s character plays the role of a senior inspector with immense mental and physical strength. A woman who takes on a psychopath rapist on the loose while dealing with the misogyny within the police department and also with the questions raised by society, Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy is the perfect example of strength, physically and mentally.
Although her character is defined as masculine, her feminine side comes to the fore when she talks about women's issues in the interview.
Piku in Piku Played by Deepika Padukone
This movie normalised what society isn’t yet ready for - an unmarried woman staying at her home to take care of her parents. Amitabh Bachchan played the role of Piku’s feminist father. Deepika Padukone’s character, Piku, was the unmarried working daughter who stayed in her parent's house, looking after her hypochondriac father. Splattered with role models, this movie sparked conversations about how only wives have to leave their homes while husbands are never asked to leave their own homes.
Sehmat in Raazi (2018) Played by Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt’s character, in the film, is that of an Indian spy who, despite her vulnerabilities, stays strong throughout her mission of passing along crucial information to Indian Intelligence. She knows how to handle herself and show the necessary emotions when required. With her solid exterior and ability to let emotions flow freely, she is perfectly imperfect. Sehmat Khan touched the hearts of millions watching it with the film set in 1971 and a strong plotline.
A woman doesn’t have to be completely emotional or stoic- there can be a balance between both while being a spy (just kidding!).
Safeena in Gully Boy Played by Alia Bhatt
Throughout this country-known movie, Safeena defies her family’s expectations of getting married and continues to pursue a career in the medical field. She fights all odds when it comes to her boyfriend, taking a stand as and when necessary. Although she may be called immature and selfish, she stood up for what she believed in and went for it.
We always admire women like that, don’t we?
Jess Doshi
Jess Doshi is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Arts. Apart from reading, she makes a conscious effort to do what she can for society. She aims to help the world around her in the best possible way- writing.
References:
5 Most Powerful Female Characters in Bollywood Movies since 2000. (n.d.). THE NEW INDIAN. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://newindian.in/5-most-powerful-female-characters-in-bollywood-movies-since-2000/
10 Badass female characters in Bollywood films. (n.d.). Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved August 9, 2022, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/web-stories/10-badass-female-characters-in-bollywood-films/photostory/90892624.cms
15 Strong Female Characters In Bollywood Films Who Are Role-Model Material. (2018, March 6). IDiva. https://www.idiva.com/entertainment/bollywood/15-strong-female-characters-in-bollywood-films-who-are-role-model-material/17074756
Badass Female Characters In Bollywood Movies Who Made Us Scream “Yass Queen!” (2022, February 19). HerZindagi English. https://www.herzindagi.com/society-culture/strong-female-characters-in-bollywood-movies-article-193112
International Women’s Day: Revisit powerful female leads in Bollywood movies. (2022, March 6). Lifestyle Asia India. https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/culture/entertainment/bollywood-movies-with-strong-female-leads-to-binge-this-international-womens-day/
Six free-spirited female characters in Bollywood that inspire us all. (n.d.). Filmfare.com. Retrieved August 10, 2022, from https://www.filmfare.com/features/six-free-spirited-female-characters-in-bollywood-that-inspire-us-all-52900.html
