New Delhi: For decades, Hindi cinema has been a mirror reflecting the times and scenarios the nation has gone through. From playing decorative objects in movies, if not victims or martyrs, to becoming a strong force, women have come a long way in our movies. The Hindi film actresses have graduated from being the innocent to the woman of substance and strength that stands for her rights, raises her voice against injustice, and fights for her dignity and self-respect and also rebels when she has to.
The women in Hindi cinema have been pivotal in bringing across the transformation the country has been through. We bring you 10 films that show women as the heroes:
1. Mom
Mom is a story of a mother who revenges her daughter's rape and death after being denied justice by the law. Sridevi plays the simple mother who transforms into a smart woman to avenge her daughter's death.
2. Lipstick Under My Burkha
Lipstick Under My Burkha is coming of age film for women's sexuality. A fearlessly feminist film, it holds a mirror to the present times we live in.
3. Pink
Pink told the nation that when a woman says 'no' it means 'no'. No matter what clothes she wears or what lifestyle she leads, she can't be forced into doing anything against her will. Amitabh Bachchan plays an advocate who fights for the girls entrapped in a legal battle against notorious boys belonging to influential families.
4. Neerja
Neerja, the film is based on a true life story of a flight purser who was shot and killed while making sure that hundreds of passengers of the hijacked Pan Am Flight 73 were safe and sound. Sonam Kapoor plays Neerja with great grit and elan.
5. Mardaani 2
Mardaani 2 is the story of a female cop, Shivani Roy. It's played by Rani Mukerji who vows to catch Sunny, a psychopath working for a politican, brutally rapes and murders innocent women leaving a trail of battered bodies in his wake.
6. Queen
Queen is a beautiful story of a young girl Rani played by Kangana Ranaut. It's heartbreaking when Vijay, played by Rajkumar Rao, just a day before the wedding breaks the news to Rani that he is no more interested in marrying her. The simple, small town girl is shattered but soon she decides to stand for herself and to go on a honeymoon all alone. During her travels, she meets new friends, discovers the world and comes back as a changed person, ready to take control of her life.
7. No One Killed Jessica
This film is based on the real life story of Jessica Lal murder case. It's a tale of how Jessica's elder sister, Sabrina Lal played by Vidya Balan fights the wealthy and influential man who shot her sister. Rani Mukerji plays the gritty journalist who helps Vidya Balan to fight against all odds. The film shows that even a common woman can rise above all odds and fight for justice. The film is directed by Rajkumar Gupta.
8. Kahaani
Kahaani is a movie which lives up to its name more than you could ask for. The entire script of Kahaani was filled with unexpected twists and turns that you definitely won't see coming. Vidya Balan has done an amazing role for this movie.
9. English Vinglish
English Vinglish is a story of a common housewife Shashi Godbole played by Sridevi. It beautifully shows how the housewife, who is brilliant as a homemaker, a wife and a mother, is looked down upon and made fun of by her daughter and husband just because she can't speak fluent English. A hurt Shashi Godbole turns things around as she learns the language on her US trip to her niece's wedding. Gauri Shinde's simple story is an impressive one as the woman overcomes her shortcomings.
10. NH 10
Anushka not only produced this movie but made sure she single-handedly handles the script on screen as well. And with this movie, we loved Anushka Sharma even more! In the movie, her husband is killed by the local gangster family. She survived and killed the family who killed her husband played by Neil Bhoopalan. Shout out to Deepti Naval for being an amazing antagonist!
Let's wait for more upcoming women centric movies in Bollywood like – Thalaivi, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Saina, Gul Makai and Dhaakad. Let's cheer for all the women out there on the occasion of International Women's Day.
