Today Indian cinema and the daily soaps for that matter have descended towards misogyny and illogical content. While a 2 decades ago the same tv was known for churning out thought-provoking dramas. In fact, in the 80s and 90s, Indian TV produced several fictional shows that were based on social, political, and gender-based issues and to true were way ahead of their times. These shows had powerful female characters who had their own story arcs and agency.
Let’s take a look at some of these characters to remember the good old days.
Pooja (Renuka Shahane) is a newly-married bride who’s abandoned by her husband on their wedding night. Distraught, she seeks to begin a new life with support from her brother-in-law. A character written with powerful ink, not an abla nari ka drishtikon. As a romance kindles between them, Pooja’s husband makes a comeback putting her in a moral dilemma. Through Pooja’s character, the show strives to portray the trials and tribulations Indian women face in our society, and how they are rarely in charge of their lives in a patriarchal society. The show stood strong and was appreciated by the fans and critics alike.
Oh god, do you remember how brilliant Mandira Bedi was in the show. Shanti focused on an aspiring journalist who tries to make it in a world dominated by men and what a great woman was picked to portray the fight. Bedi shot to fame for her nuanced portrayal of a woman who faces challenges head on, both in her personal and professional life. If you love a good story with strong characters, you should definitely watch this one.
Pragati (Mandira Bedi) is a middle-class woman who fights for her right to education. She rebels against her family to become a successful lawyer instead of getting married and settling for a life she doesn’t want. Apart from her, the show also focuses on other female characters who fight their personal battles, and eventually emerge victorious. A show which gave power to women and if watched today, the show will sound relevant and empowering to the core.
Directed by Mahesh Bhatt and written by Shobha De and Vinod Ranganathan, Swabhimaan was a show which chronicled the life of a woman who finds herself in a turmoil after her tycoon patron passes away. In the beginning, she comes off as an insecure and vulnerable woman, like every girl at some point in life. She is the one who has to deal with several challenges. However, as her story progresses, she evolves into a strong, confident woman who takes charge of her life.
The subject of Infidelity is the center point of this story. Priya (Neena Gupta) is a happily married woman who finds herself in a soup after her husband walks out on his family for another woman Manisha (Kavita Kapoor). Monogamy was questioned and it was questioned in the right frame. Instead of trying to win him back, she tries to take charge of the situation and turn her life around. Unlike most shows on infidelity, this one not only empathizes with Priya but also with Manisha who is as much a victim of patriarchy and misogyny as Priya. A brilliant take on the situation and again a show which holds relevance even today.
Are you a fan of these powerful characters? Which one’s your favorite?