"Bindaas" to "Badass": Journey of Female characters in Bollywood

New Delhi: From being submissive to being seductive. From being sidelined to the frontline, the representation of women in Bollywood has seen a tremendous change. From traditional and conservative portrayals to bold and progressive ones, the portrayal of women in Bollywood has reflected the social, cultural, and political changes that have taken place in India.

Female Characters in 50s and 60s 

The “Golden Era” of the '50s and 60s Bollywood projected strong women characters who would stand alongside their male protagonists. But they were primarily depicted as submissive and obedient. They were usually cast in supporting roles and portrayed as ideal wives, mothers, and daughters who were expected to follow traditional gender roles. Their characters were confined to the domestic sphere, and they were expected to be submissive to the male leads. However, few directors such as Guru Dutt and Bimal Roy came out with strong, independent female characters The portrayal of women in this period was reflective of the patriarchal norms prevalent in Indian society.

Changing Perceptions in the 70s

However, in the 1970s, the portrayal of women in Bollywood started to change. This was the era of the angry young man, where male protagonists were portrayed as rebels fighting against corruption and social injustice. Women characters also started to gain prominence during this period, and their roles became more dynamic and challenging. Actresses like Hema Malini and Zeenat Aman played strong and assertive characters, breaking away from the traditional portrayal of women in Bollywood. These characters were not just wives and mothers but also had their own goals and ambitions.

Damsel in Distress of 80s and 90s

In the 1980s and 1990s, Bollywood saw the rise of the "masala" film genre, which blended various elements like action, romance, and drama. Women characters in these films were often portrayed as damsels in distress who needed to be saved by the male leads. However, there were also instances of female characters who were strong and independent, such as Sridevi in Mr. India and Juhi Chawla in Darr. These characters were often portrayed as modern and westernized, with a focus on fashion and glamour.

Progressive and onwards since millennium 

In the 2000s, Bollywood started to become more progressive in its portrayal of women. Actresses like Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta played characters that were more realistic and relatable. These characters were not just glamorous but also had flaws and vulnerabilities. They were shown to have careers and ambitions outside of their domestic roles. Movies such as “Dil Chahta Hai”, “Kya Kehna”, and “Fiza” depicted modern and independent women who were not afraid to challenge societal norms.

In recent years, Bollywood has started to become more vocal about women's issues, with more films focusing on topics like gender equality and women empowerment. Movies like Pink and Dangal have challenged traditional gender roles and encouraged women to stand up for themselves. Actresses like Deepika Padukone, Taapsee Pannu and Priyanka Chopra have become vocal advocates for women's rights and have used their celebrity status to promote gender equality. Women characters have also evolved from being “bindaas” to “badass”. They aren't apologetic and are happily using cuss words on screen.  The recent example being, Tabu's frequent use of the classic “C” word in “Kuttey”.   

However, despite the progress made, there are still instances of misogyny and sexism in Bollywood. Item songs, which often feature scantily clad women dancing provocatively, continue to be a common feature in Bollywood movies. Female actors are often subjected to body shaming and objectification. There is also a significant gender pay gap in the industry, with male actors earning significantly more than their female counterparts.

In conclusion, the portrayal of women in Bollywood has undergone a significant transformation over the years. From traditional and conservative portrayals to bold and progressive ones, the portrayal of women in Bollywood has reflected the social, cultural, and political changes that have taken place in India. While there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving gender equality in the industry, the progress made is a positive sign and reflects the changing attitudes towards women in Indian society.