In India, there is a special place for women traditionally.Women are supposed to be the great part of significance in India.
Here's a list of some of the best women-centered films that broke new grounds in Bollywood.
A 1957 Hindi epic melodrama film, directed by Mehboob Khan, Mother India is one film that comes to every mind when thought of top women-oriented films of all time. The film represented India after Independence, being the avant-garde in introducing the woman to her inner strength.
Loosely based on the life of the first female Prime Minister of India, Indira, this is an all-time classic. Suchitra Sen's portrayal of a politician stands unbeaten so far. It's interesting to see how her personality changes with circumstances in the film.
The film was banned by the ruling government at that time, but later premiered on television. Yet it enjoyed immense popularity and is considered one of the best films Bollywood has ever made about a woman's choices.
Lajja is a 2001 Hindi drama film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film is based on the plight of women in India.The movie recounts the story of four women, and stars some of the best known names in Hindi cinema, including Manisha Koirala, Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, Mahima Chaudhry as main leads.The movie satirizes the honour with which women are placed in society and the restrictions on them. The fact that the four women's names (Maithili, Janki, Ramdulaari, and Vaidehi) are all versions of Sita, the ideal Hindu woman's name, is a message in itself.Manisha Koirala is the protagonist of this film.
Rani Mukherjee is locked in a passionate embrace but the moment her work-phone beeps, she is ready to leave her lover high and dry and asks him to 'fly solo'. Rani's (Meera Gaity) is a no-nonsense journalist who does yoga at work, smokes non-stop and mouths expletives without thinking twice.
Here's a list of some of the best women-centered films that broke new grounds in Bollywood.
1. Mother India (1957):
2. Aandhi (1957)
The film was banned by the ruling government at that time, but later premiered on television. Yet it enjoyed immense popularity and is considered one of the best films Bollywood has ever made about a woman's choices.
3. Bhumika (1977):
The Role (1977) The film explores the life of a female actress, who starts off as a child artiste, and then becomes a successful actress in her prime. Smita Patil gives it all up and becomes a recluse.
It was perhaps the first Hindi film that belonged to the New Indian Cinema movement that managed to reach large audiences, and was able to receive a significant release.
When the darlings of parallel cinema got together for this Mahesh Bhatt flick, they were all set to completely engage, involve and mesmerize the audience. Shabana Azmi plays the role of a loving housewife who's betrayed by her husband for an actress played by Smita Patil.
This film is all about her struggle to get back on track and fight against all odds to lead an independent and successful life. It also touches upon the issues of domestic violence faced by the lower strata of the Indian society.
It was perhaps the first Hindi film that belonged to the New Indian Cinema movement that managed to reach large audiences, and was able to receive a significant release.
4. Arth (1982)
This film is all about her struggle to get back on track and fight against all odds to lead an independent and successful life. It also touches upon the issues of domestic violence faced by the lower strata of the Indian society.
5. Mirch Masala (1987):
This film is an epic in its own right! It's all about women power and the mental fortitude and courage of a woman to stand up against all odds.
This film by Ketan Mehta has power-packed performances by the elite set of actors such as Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil, Deepti Naval and Suresh Oberoi.
However, it is Smita Patil's character (Sonbai) that stays on your mind days after watching the film. The famous climax scene is unforgettable, in which the women in the spice mill throw fists full of spice on the Subedar (Naseerudin Shah) as an act of defence.
Meenakshi Sheshadri portrays the story of a woman who fights against her own wealthy family, to give justice to a maid gang raped by her brother-in-law and his friends. She is proved unstable, but yet later emerges to be someone who fights her way out for justice.
This film by Ketan Mehta has power-packed performances by the elite set of actors such as Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil, Deepti Naval and Suresh Oberoi.
However, it is Smita Patil's character (Sonbai) that stays on your mind days after watching the film. The famous climax scene is unforgettable, in which the women in the spice mill throw fists full of spice on the Subedar (Naseerudin Shah) as an act of defence.
6. Damini (1993):
7. Chandni Bar (2001):
Madhur Bhandarkar's Chandni Bar was again the heartwarming story of a prostitute, played by Tabu and how she struggles to provide a better lifestyle to her kids, keeping them away from the gritty world of prostitution. Tabu walked away with the national award for best actress.
8. Lajja (2001):
9. No One Killed Jessica (2011):
10. Kahaani (2012):
Kahaani Vidya Balan's success story enhanced the status of Bollywood women from a hero's sidekick to centrepiece. In her latest film, she potrays a seven-month pregnant lady in search of her missing husband and how she finds him.
These great movies has left a message in Indian society to stop crimes against women and treat them with a great respect that they deserve.Do you agree with us..?? Leave your comments below.Your feedbacks are appreciated.
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