New Delhi: For all the fuss about the lack of powerful female characters in Bollywood, fortunately there are a few directors who use films to put forth actresses' incredible strength and exceptional talent. Whether it is Manisha Koirala, Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan or Deepika Padukone, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali uses each female protagonist in his films to tell a great deal about his perspective on women - pure and chaste, manipulative, flirtatious, independent - their position and the multiple misogynist attitudes that exist. And to examine their role, Sanjay often uses the patriarchal system to dominate women. As they combat chaos and face discrimination, his female characters emerge victorious and transform into courageous and extraordinary women.
In an industry where majority of the directors depend on male-centric scripts to earn huge profits, and use heroines to provide the support act, Sanjay moulds his actresses to inspire all those who come to watch his films. As the viewers continue to applaud his representation of the feisty Leela in a strong way, with Ram being portrayed as a comparatively weaker character in 'Ram Leela', we draw a list of strong female characters from SLB's film to tell why Bollywood, a male-dominated industry, needs to learn a few lessons from the filmmaker.
Sanjay's directorial debut with 'Khamoshi: The Musical' featured Manisha Koirala as daughter of Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas, a deaf-mute husband-wife duo. Aware of his parents' handicap, Annie aka Manisha, who understands the need to be independent in life, is never portrayed as a weak or feeble person.
For many 'Hum Dil Chuke Sanam' was a tearjerker and a bit too lengthy. But it was the performances of 2 male actors (Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn) and the female lead (Aishwarya Rai) that made this musical a treat to watch. Even though the film had two male stars, Nandini aka Aishwarya Rai grabbed everyone's attention. The viewers appreciated her for her playful and candid nature. Nandini, who loses her cool, participates in a rowdy game, and believes in the idea of choosing her husband, doesn't come across as a vulnerable person ever. SLB accentuates her strength in the film. Aishwarya's role in 'Devdas' too won her plaudits, courtesy the character of Paro.
The role of Chandramukhi (played by Madhuri) wasn't only about flattering ensembles and flawless dance moves. Despite knowing the fact that she will never be able to replace Paro, Chandramukhi, the selfless courtesan loves Devdas even as she continues to be a woman of power and influence. SLB used 'Black' to portray Rani's character of a deaf-blind person in both respectable and powerful manner. Such was the impact of the role that Rani played that she bagged several awards for combating physical disability to emerge as a woman of substance. The director also helped Aishwarya Rai to lose her artificiality to give one of the most impressive performances in years in 'Guzaarish'.
Sanjay's recently released film 'Ram Leela' features female characters in two different ways - as those who enjoy great degree of power, independent and strong, and also those who are easily controlled and submissive. Supriya Pathak isn't just the cruel mother, but she also plays a shrewd and manipulative mafia gang leader in the film. But it is Leela who towers over those around her both intellectually and sexually. Deepika Padukone who plays the free-spirited and feisty Leela carries her heart on her sleeve. She is not only fiercely devoted to Ram, but is also willing to risk everything to spend her life with him. Her compelling and admirable role in the film makes her the most powerful female character. Actors Richa Chadda and Barkha Bisht Sengupta too play oppressed women who understand the need to muster courage up to confront the long-standing enmity between Sanedo and Rajri communities.
Isn't it time that Bollywood filmmakers who are still confined to its male-dominated fantasies, should think of ways to change the portrayal of women in films? Why can't more films be made which don't focus on women playing the stereotypical selfless, sacrificing individuals? Bollywood, is there a lesson you can learn from SLB? Yes, we think.
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