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FEMALE POWER AND IDENTITY - INDIAN CINEMA


FEMALE POWER AND IDENTITY- INDIAN CINEMA


Gender discrimination has been an important and crucial topic in contemporary society and it has also impacted film artists in India, definitely an unfortunate imbalance, identifies them according to their gender power and popularity, distinguishes the common acclamation of the story line focused on them. We contemplate, how the present female actors, movie makers and technicians with talent have risen to supremacy in Indian film Industry, provide immediate changes in old psyche of partisanship in Indian cinema. We undoubtedly perceive rational changes in its outlook and contributions by Indian female stars  as they furnish ample opportunities for themselves in lead roles with profound influence, though other unreasonable hindrance to their progression, an age factor has existed thorough out and some of the gifted actresses are deprived of prime roles due to absurd age issue, not necessary in good civil society.

In Hollywood, famous actresses like Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston and many more continue to successfully hold their movie careers as senior actors, not only in the movie world but also in the arena of powerful social media, advertisement and marketing industry, compared to Indian female performers as they tend to fade away after they are in 30s, though age in the present world of fitness should not be an obstacle and fundamental barrier in film world for them to achieve their dreams. The top male aging Indian actors in their 50’s, traditionally prefer young  co-stars in 20’s and motivate themselves to look as youthful and energetic, with typical male chauvinism they are not enthusiastic about sharing screen with talented and famous senior actresses, as they are apprehensive about losing their dominant persona on screen, but the presence of strong female oriented roles by top actresses with flourishing career has narrowed the gap of gender superiority in recent times.

Nargis was the first Indian actress in a dominant lead role in Mehboob Khan’s ‘Mother India’, a 1957 movie which made her immortal, followed with remarkable female roles by Meena Kumari in Pakeezah, Hema Malini in Seeta Aur Geeta in 1974 and few more diverse portrayals and films but with strong female characterization in modern cinema.

Gradually, the origin of prominent and powerful roles for heroines started in early 70’s, Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil and Rekha with natural artistic and creative abilities, laid the foundations of critically acclaimed cinema, initiated the acceptance of female centric themes in the society along with common male supremacy story lines, they still command natural balance in art and commercial cinema.

Supriya Pathak, a theatre and TV artiste with true, open and honest acting technique known for compelling performances in movies like Kalyug, Bazaar, Mirch Masala and few more, she exhibited creative talent as Dhankor Baa in recently released ‘Goliyan Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’.

We reminisce strong women depiction in pre-eminent roles of intellect and impact in  movies like Ankur, Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Sparsh, Mandi, Manthan ,Bhumika, Mirch Masala, Utsav, Umrao Jaan, Khoon Bhari Maang  etc., based on social realism, huge leap in the Indian female cultural evolution, an overwhelming influence in human psyche through the decades, presently women portrayals are  meaningful and influential with  the  increasing neutrality of gender equality in film industry.

Neena Gupta, optimistic and hopeful with loads of talent, her recent success ‘Badhai Ho’ has opened another path hindering the women empowerment in the film Industry, ‘AGE’. For actors Shabana, Rekha, Neena age is a momentary process, with their sensitivity, intelligence and genius, these brilliant names can do any women oriented role in years to come and prove their popular and critical talent ,irrespective of male star domination as their influence is much more important and superior in any meaningful projects that defines social awareness. 

The pursuit of women empowerment in the film Industry set a pace in 70’s by outstanding names of that era, over the years cemented by numerous female artistes in the present vibrant time, Tabu, Kangana, Bhumi, Tapsee preserve and carry forward the torch of female courage on screen. Actors Sridevi, Vidya Balan, Kareena Kapoor have essayed representation of strong women few times.

Priyanka Chopra a global icon on her own has made a mark in West with her self-confidence, conviction and belief. Kangana in woman centric movies displays courage and strong independent character, does not need support of a successful hero, she continues to portray herself as an adept artiste. Deepika Padukone seems intense as a fighting acid attack survivor in an upcoming movie promo on social media.

Tabu, exceptionally talented with successful commercial and critical acclaim, takes risks and tries new genres of cinema, has kept her form intact superbly.


 Tabu has dominant roles, effortlessly outshines in any film, continues her powerful run in the  cinematic domain.

A cumulative endeavour of pivotal control by female performers, important for recognition of women in the creative industry, inspires the enthusiasm in the new talent waiting for a break to showcase their art. The release of new features on Netflix and other similar portals has increased the avenues for courageous female artists, they are more vigorous with ambitious mind and pursue their competence globally in traditional male dominated film industry, some have created their own indomitable space denting the gender discrimination in film community. 

Women directors were not prominent earlier except Aparna Sen and Kalpana Lajmi in 80’s, made classic films, since the proportion of female movie makers was almost negligible and were overshadowed by male directors. At present times, women directors like Farah Khan, Gurinder Chadha, Meghna Gulzar, Zoya Akthar, Gauri Shindey, Konkana Sen, Tanuja Chandra, Reema Kagti have showcased projects which have been hugely successful commercially and also won critical acclaim. With time more women have taken to film making, stimulate our mind and continue to give meaningful and commercially successful cinema. The most popular name Ekta Kapoor, a film maker with innovative mind, a leading web content creator, started with women centric soap operas in TV series, presents new projects across cinema, TV and digital world.

Earlier faced with uncertainty and limited opportunities in cinema, some talented heroines fell into oblivion but with new trend of globalization and advancement in digital world, the ‘NET’ content has contributed to the success of females, regardless of age and traditional work scope defined for female artistes in showbiz.

The obstacles and challenging problems will not exist for long as the creativity, competence and energy levels of female performers, directors, writers and technicians is high and flourishing, empowering women, they appreciate and nurture their identity and outline success path to attain mastery with pride and reach for stars in 21st century.

Anuradha Singh
3rd January, 2020
a.singhlink@gmail.com
Copyright©2020 Anuradha Singh.
All rights reserved. This article or any portion thereof can not be reproduced
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My articles on the related subject are as follows...

Anuradha Singh (2020). MIRA NAIR’S- A SUITABLE TABU

https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2020/08/mira-nairs-suitable-tabu.html?m=1

Anuradha Singh (2020). FEMALE POWER AND IDENTITY-INDIAN CINEMA https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2020/01/female-power-and-identity-indian-cinema.html?m=1

Anuradha Singh (2019). CONTEMPORARY INDIAN CINEMA – AN ANALOGY https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2019/05/contemporary-indian-cinema-anology.html?m=1

Anuradha Singh (2019). TABU - A PROFOUND TALENT

 https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2019/02/tabu-profoundtalent-talentedtabu-with.html?m=1

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Anuradha Singh

Contact email a.singhlink@gmail.com


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