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On women's day let us talk about 10 iconic roles that challenged the Bollywood's perception of female and salute the actress who played them.
1> Hunterwali(1935) starring Fearless Nadia
Handy with whips, Fearless Nadia as Hunterwaali showed villains on who is their boss. She jumped on top of trains, beat goons single handedly and also saved her hero in distress when needed. There was nothing she wouldn't or couldn't do to defeat her adversaries.
Rangoon may have got few things wrong but it did put a spot light on a woman named Fearless Nadia. Born Mary Ann Evans, Fearless Nadia proved once for all that when it came to action on screen, women need not be damsel in distress. Interesting fact is there were few other female actress from that era who showed considerable skill with swords and horses.
2> Bandini(1963) starring Nutan
Bandini is not for faint hearted. A landmark movie that talked about mercy killing and its effect, it also placed spotlight of few more thing such as women's heart. And while some of the choices that central character make may not seem kosher, it does not take away the feeling that sometime life is not simple and women should have right to make her own choice.
Nutan has a fascinating arc when it comes to movie. Absolutely rejected after her first movie as a flake, it was her collaboration with Bimal Roy that proved fruitful. Seema paved path to Sujatha and Anari but it was her remarkable performance in Bandini that cemented her position as one of the cinemas greatest.
3> Guide (1965) starring Waheeda Rehman
Waheeda is Rosie and Rosie is Waheeda. While Guide may be all about guide played by Dev Anand and his life, it was his fateful meeting with Rosie that changed his life. Rosie may be catalyst but in hands of Waheeds she is a living breathing woman who wants to break free of a bad marriage and just live. Picturised by ace director Vijay Anand, Waheeda proved that she was a great dancer. And if she looked gorgeous, well it was after all Vijay Anand movie whose mantra was females are loveliest being on this earth.
Waheeda Rehman may be one of the first few whose route to Bollywood started from hit career in South. Born in Tamil Nadu, she was spotted by Guru Dutt who was looking for a Urdu speaking actress. She played in some of his most iconic movie including Pyaasa and Kagaaz ke Phool. But it was her Rosie that proved she was more than just someone's protege. She was also a remarkable actress.
4> Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) Starring Meena Kumari
One of the most iconic shot that worships female divinity in all its glory in Bollywood cinema is when the camera pans from feet to face of beautifully attired Choti Bahu played by Meena Kumari, leaving the man, played by Guru Dutt, awestruck. While the feeling that women must be worshipped may have lost its roots in these days of equality, the scene still lingers as one of powerful moment between a man and women who are equal and not so equal. After all he has what she wants - man hood and she has what he wants- power, beauty and wealth. Based on last few years in decaying Zamindar household, the story talks about poignant tale of women left alone by her caddish husband and her need to have a child of her own. While it may not be most feminist movie in the list apart from her imbibing alcohol as much as her husband does, it still focuses on a women's need and her desire.
Meena Kumari was known as one of the greatest tragedy actress in Bollywood cinema which in itself is a tragedy because the woman was good in light hearted role. People put off by her tearful reputation will be surprised to see that in some of her movie not only did she not cry but if necessary she also took her own stand against the man she loved. Her career is littered with gems like Arati, Pakeezah and Sharda. Still Choti Bahu will always remind us of her beauty.
5> Dhool Ka Phool (1959) Starring Mala Sinha
Mala Sinha was a fearless actress. She picked the roles that no mainstream actress would dare to do and aced it. One of the most iconic role she played is not a role per se but a character that broke taboo of sex before marriage and motherhood resulting from it. While Aradhana may have used it better from female perspective, it cannot take away the importance of having mainstream actress becoming single mother for first time on Bollywood screen in its unflinching glory. The movie is perhaps known for its court case and for its speech on religion tolerance. But it is also important to note that this movie had lead actress actively berate her past lover for abandonment and who fights to get back the son that she had previously left in fear of society. The fact that she no longer fears his illegitimacy or is ready to give up her all for her child in face of rigid society is the first step that Bollywood took towards showing progress. That she didn't have to thanks to her loving husband who respects her is icing on cake.
Born Alda, Mala Sinha changed her name to get away from ridicule. But there was nothing ridiculous about her choices. She mostly played character with feminist bent or a more worldly character who knows love is not everything. From Pyaasa to Anpadh to Himalaya Ki God Mein, she played different roles. But barring few to none portrayed her as "abla nari". Be it feisty wife in Bahuraani who teaches her husband, women caught between past and present in Gumraah or dutiful daughter taking care of her old father in Jahan Ara she aced all of them.
6> Mother India (1957) starring Nargis
Mother India is one of a kind role and that it was played by one of a kind Nargis is what makes this movie so special. Poor women deserted by her husband and having to bring her two son without giving into the men who prey on her vulnerability is enough to prove why this movie should be on the list. But it is the haunting ending where she kills her much loved son to save the reputation of another women is what makes this movie one of the most feminist movie of all time. There are many moments in this top notch production that today's women can imbibe. Her understanding, her never give up spirit, her inner strength, her independence, her serene smile in face of adversity, her toughness and her anger. Radha played by Nargis proves why a women is multi-faceted being. Not having pleasure of seeing earlier adaptation, I can't say how much of the facet were shown in original Aurat.
Nargis is one of the respected names in Bollywood history. Her illegitimate birth to her producer mom nor her long lasting love affair could deter her audience nor was she ever treated lightly. An excellent actress- her on screen partnership with Raj Kapoor notwithstanding, she had managed to make a name for herself. But it is Mother India that gave her most enduring screen image and of course a partner for life in form of her onscreen son Sunil Dutt.
7> Mirch Masala (1987) Starring Smita Patil
Mirch Masala carried important lesson to men who prey on lonely female left alone by her husband. It is necessary to ask her permission. My body my choice is a theme of movie where a arrogant subedaar makes an assumption that females are weak. While Smita's character may use her beauty to get her little convenience, she wants to draw line at actual deed. It leads to female revolt against male patriarchy which allows and sometime encourages female sexual victimization. The movie ends with blind subedaar as each female takes turn in throwing the red chilli powder- the very essence of their live hood in eyes of this tyranny.
Smita Patil was a known feminist. And her movies attest to the fact. The truth is it is hard to pick any one iconic movie from this actress- seeing how she has played some of the best female roles on screen. From Bhumika to Ubartha her movie helps remind that women have rights and desire too and that they should be treated equal.
8> Rihayee (1988) Starring Hema Malini
While above movie talked about assent, this movie talks about repercussion of that move. Rihayee has several lonely wives left behind in a village while menfolk work in a city for livelihood. While they actively fulfill their sexual urges with ladies of night, the females are forced to remain without any such release. So when Hema's character is left pregnant after a brief encounter with man, she has to face the social hypocrisy and prevalent double standard. When Tabu's Astitva forced men to answer this question, it is a sign of changes in society. The movie Rihayee though also dwells with how females cope in absence of males getting forced to perform the duties that are stereotypical done by males.
Hema Malini is mostly lauded for her looks and for chatter box iconic role of Basanti in iconic movie Sholay. Having played mostly bubbly role and being sweet heart of he-man Dharmendra, it is easy to overlook her more serious roles like playing scorned Saudamini in Lal Patthar or sister-in-law forced to marry her husband's brother in EK Chaddar Maili Si or even broken hearted dancer in Kinaara.
9> Queen (2014) Starring Kangana Ranaut
Queen is coming of age story of a sheltered bride to be who decides to go for honeymoon on her own. Freshly ripped of the headlines where jilted bride and groom decide to avail themselves of honeymoon while taking awesome selfie to show that they are surviving, Queen manages to talk about the hidden pain and fresh wound that needs time to heal. On its own Queen is not a landmark movie. But in Kangana's hand it blooms into a relatable story of young women who discovers herself. There are no big dragons to slay. Her family understands. Even her rat of a groom wants her back. This movie is a must of ever naive young girl who feels marriage needs compromises to the point owns identity is lost.
Ranaut has one of the fascinating career history. From playing alcoholic to abused victim, she has come long way to play Datto - one of the most fascinating character in Bollywood history. Hope is that she will carry on this tradition.
10> Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015) Starring Bhumi Pendekar
I was torn between choosing this one and Piku. But this one won simply because it is difficult for people to love themselves in the world that judges so harshly. A love story between disparate couple with weight issue, this light hearted movie talked about things that need airing. Similar to Amrita Arora's character refusing to change into more feminine version for her man in Main Hoon Na, Bhumi Pendekar's Sandhya refuses to change herself. This doesn't mean she is not ready to take few steps like watching English movie to improve her marital chance. But when her self-respect is comprised she single handedly takes a decision to end the marriage and live with belief in her own self than to be a wife.
While Bhumi is relatively new in the industry, it is difficult to assess what her future path will be. But if she continues to get roles as this one then sky is limit for this young actress.
There have been more than few applaud worthy roles that I had to leave to limit this list to 10. There is Deepika's Piku, Rekha's Umrao Jaan, Vidya's Kahaani, Tapsee's Pink, Alia's Udata Punjab, Sonam's Neeraja, Shabana's Arth, Dipti's Ek Baar Phir, Zeenat's Insaaf Ka Taaraju, Madhuri's Lajja.
Which is your choice of most iconic role played by female actress in Bollywood?
1> Hunterwali(1935) starring Fearless Nadia
Handy with whips, Fearless Nadia as Hunterwaali showed villains on who is their boss. She jumped on top of trains, beat goons single handedly and also saved her hero in distress when needed. There was nothing she wouldn't or couldn't do to defeat her adversaries.
Rangoon may have got few things wrong but it did put a spot light on a woman named Fearless Nadia. Born Mary Ann Evans, Fearless Nadia proved once for all that when it came to action on screen, women need not be damsel in distress. Interesting fact is there were few other female actress from that era who showed considerable skill with swords and horses.
2> Bandini(1963) starring Nutan
Bandini is not for faint hearted. A landmark movie that talked about mercy killing and its effect, it also placed spotlight of few more thing such as women's heart. And while some of the choices that central character make may not seem kosher, it does not take away the feeling that sometime life is not simple and women should have right to make her own choice.
Nutan has a fascinating arc when it comes to movie. Absolutely rejected after her first movie as a flake, it was her collaboration with Bimal Roy that proved fruitful. Seema paved path to Sujatha and Anari but it was her remarkable performance in Bandini that cemented her position as one of the cinemas greatest.
3> Guide (1965) starring Waheeda Rehman
Waheeda is Rosie and Rosie is Waheeda. While Guide may be all about guide played by Dev Anand and his life, it was his fateful meeting with Rosie that changed his life. Rosie may be catalyst but in hands of Waheeds she is a living breathing woman who wants to break free of a bad marriage and just live. Picturised by ace director Vijay Anand, Waheeda proved that she was a great dancer. And if she looked gorgeous, well it was after all Vijay Anand movie whose mantra was females are loveliest being on this earth.
Waheeda Rehman may be one of the first few whose route to Bollywood started from hit career in South. Born in Tamil Nadu, she was spotted by Guru Dutt who was looking for a Urdu speaking actress. She played in some of his most iconic movie including Pyaasa and Kagaaz ke Phool. But it was her Rosie that proved she was more than just someone's protege. She was also a remarkable actress.
4> Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) Starring Meena Kumari
One of the most iconic shot that worships female divinity in all its glory in Bollywood cinema is when the camera pans from feet to face of beautifully attired Choti Bahu played by Meena Kumari, leaving the man, played by Guru Dutt, awestruck. While the feeling that women must be worshipped may have lost its roots in these days of equality, the scene still lingers as one of powerful moment between a man and women who are equal and not so equal. After all he has what she wants - man hood and she has what he wants- power, beauty and wealth. Based on last few years in decaying Zamindar household, the story talks about poignant tale of women left alone by her caddish husband and her need to have a child of her own. While it may not be most feminist movie in the list apart from her imbibing alcohol as much as her husband does, it still focuses on a women's need and her desire.
Meena Kumari was known as one of the greatest tragedy actress in Bollywood cinema which in itself is a tragedy because the woman was good in light hearted role. People put off by her tearful reputation will be surprised to see that in some of her movie not only did she not cry but if necessary she also took her own stand against the man she loved. Her career is littered with gems like Arati, Pakeezah and Sharda. Still Choti Bahu will always remind us of her beauty.
5> Dhool Ka Phool (1959) Starring Mala Sinha
Mala Sinha was a fearless actress. She picked the roles that no mainstream actress would dare to do and aced it. One of the most iconic role she played is not a role per se but a character that broke taboo of sex before marriage and motherhood resulting from it. While Aradhana may have used it better from female perspective, it cannot take away the importance of having mainstream actress becoming single mother for first time on Bollywood screen in its unflinching glory. The movie is perhaps known for its court case and for its speech on religion tolerance. But it is also important to note that this movie had lead actress actively berate her past lover for abandonment and who fights to get back the son that she had previously left in fear of society. The fact that she no longer fears his illegitimacy or is ready to give up her all for her child in face of rigid society is the first step that Bollywood took towards showing progress. That she didn't have to thanks to her loving husband who respects her is icing on cake.
Born Alda, Mala Sinha changed her name to get away from ridicule. But there was nothing ridiculous about her choices. She mostly played character with feminist bent or a more worldly character who knows love is not everything. From Pyaasa to Anpadh to Himalaya Ki God Mein, she played different roles. But barring few to none portrayed her as "abla nari". Be it feisty wife in Bahuraani who teaches her husband, women caught between past and present in Gumraah or dutiful daughter taking care of her old father in Jahan Ara she aced all of them.
6> Mother India (1957) starring Nargis
Mother India is one of a kind role and that it was played by one of a kind Nargis is what makes this movie so special. Poor women deserted by her husband and having to bring her two son without giving into the men who prey on her vulnerability is enough to prove why this movie should be on the list. But it is the haunting ending where she kills her much loved son to save the reputation of another women is what makes this movie one of the most feminist movie of all time. There are many moments in this top notch production that today's women can imbibe. Her understanding, her never give up spirit, her inner strength, her independence, her serene smile in face of adversity, her toughness and her anger. Radha played by Nargis proves why a women is multi-faceted being. Not having pleasure of seeing earlier adaptation, I can't say how much of the facet were shown in original Aurat.
Nargis is one of the respected names in Bollywood history. Her illegitimate birth to her producer mom nor her long lasting love affair could deter her audience nor was she ever treated lightly. An excellent actress- her on screen partnership with Raj Kapoor notwithstanding, she had managed to make a name for herself. But it is Mother India that gave her most enduring screen image and of course a partner for life in form of her onscreen son Sunil Dutt.
7> Mirch Masala (1987) Starring Smita Patil
Mirch Masala carried important lesson to men who prey on lonely female left alone by her husband. It is necessary to ask her permission. My body my choice is a theme of movie where a arrogant subedaar makes an assumption that females are weak. While Smita's character may use her beauty to get her little convenience, she wants to draw line at actual deed. It leads to female revolt against male patriarchy which allows and sometime encourages female sexual victimization. The movie ends with blind subedaar as each female takes turn in throwing the red chilli powder- the very essence of their live hood in eyes of this tyranny.
Smita Patil was a known feminist. And her movies attest to the fact. The truth is it is hard to pick any one iconic movie from this actress- seeing how she has played some of the best female roles on screen. From Bhumika to Ubartha her movie helps remind that women have rights and desire too and that they should be treated equal.
8> Rihayee (1988) Starring Hema Malini
While above movie talked about assent, this movie talks about repercussion of that move. Rihayee has several lonely wives left behind in a village while menfolk work in a city for livelihood. While they actively fulfill their sexual urges with ladies of night, the females are forced to remain without any such release. So when Hema's character is left pregnant after a brief encounter with man, she has to face the social hypocrisy and prevalent double standard. When Tabu's Astitva forced men to answer this question, it is a sign of changes in society. The movie Rihayee though also dwells with how females cope in absence of males getting forced to perform the duties that are stereotypical done by males.
Hema Malini is mostly lauded for her looks and for chatter box iconic role of Basanti in iconic movie Sholay. Having played mostly bubbly role and being sweet heart of he-man Dharmendra, it is easy to overlook her more serious roles like playing scorned Saudamini in Lal Patthar or sister-in-law forced to marry her husband's brother in EK Chaddar Maili Si or even broken hearted dancer in Kinaara.
9> Queen (2014) Starring Kangana Ranaut
Queen is coming of age story of a sheltered bride to be who decides to go for honeymoon on her own. Freshly ripped of the headlines where jilted bride and groom decide to avail themselves of honeymoon while taking awesome selfie to show that they are surviving, Queen manages to talk about the hidden pain and fresh wound that needs time to heal. On its own Queen is not a landmark movie. But in Kangana's hand it blooms into a relatable story of young women who discovers herself. There are no big dragons to slay. Her family understands. Even her rat of a groom wants her back. This movie is a must of ever naive young girl who feels marriage needs compromises to the point owns identity is lost.
Ranaut has one of the fascinating career history. From playing alcoholic to abused victim, she has come long way to play Datto - one of the most fascinating character in Bollywood history. Hope is that she will carry on this tradition.
10> Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015) Starring Bhumi Pendekar
I was torn between choosing this one and Piku. But this one won simply because it is difficult for people to love themselves in the world that judges so harshly. A love story between disparate couple with weight issue, this light hearted movie talked about things that need airing. Similar to Amrita Arora's character refusing to change into more feminine version for her man in Main Hoon Na, Bhumi Pendekar's Sandhya refuses to change herself. This doesn't mean she is not ready to take few steps like watching English movie to improve her marital chance. But when her self-respect is comprised she single handedly takes a decision to end the marriage and live with belief in her own self than to be a wife.
While Bhumi is relatively new in the industry, it is difficult to assess what her future path will be. But if she continues to get roles as this one then sky is limit for this young actress.
There have been more than few applaud worthy roles that I had to leave to limit this list to 10. There is Deepika's Piku, Rekha's Umrao Jaan, Vidya's Kahaani, Tapsee's Pink, Alia's Udata Punjab, Sonam's Neeraja, Shabana's Arth, Dipti's Ek Baar Phir, Zeenat's Insaaf Ka Taaraju, Madhuri's Lajja.
Which is your choice of most iconic role played by female actress in Bollywood?
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