MUMBAI: Women have often been objectified and materialized in Bollywood giving them less pivotal roles than their male counterparts sidelining them to just doing romance from the entire film context. The Hindi cinema has miserably failed in displaying their real potential which has often sparked debates among the viewer across time and age. However, there have been some highly appreciated women-centric films which have stood-out time and again showcasing the real women-sentiment of Indian society.

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Kareena Kapoor as Geet, Jab We Met (2007)

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The Imtiaz Ali directed film portrays one of the most unconventional personalities of women in the world of Hindi Cinema where Geet has been represented as independent, trying to live her life on her own terms. Geet showcasing self-love by saying, “Main apni favourite hu” is still one of the iconic dialogues remembered even today. Breaking the stereotype, the character of Geet in the film is being cherished by the viewers so far.

Sridevi as Shashi, English Vinglish (2012)

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English Vinglish directed by Gauri Shinde reflects the typical Indian family where women are time and again restricted to just household chores while Shashi in the film trying the break the ice beginning with learning a new language and further understanding that she is more than just a mother and a wife and realizing her true identity. Shashi is a figure created to give women in our culture more power.

Kangana Ranaut as Rani, Queen (2013)

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Vikas Bahl’ Queen starring Kangana Ranaut explains how women should overcome heartbreaks and miserable situations which they often encounter in their daily lives. Rani, who is being left by her fiance just before the wedding, leaves on a solo-trip to Paris. Rani on her journey to Paris meets some amazing people like Vijayalakshmi an independent French-Spanish-Indian descent who helps her overcome her heartbreaks. 

Alia Bhatt as Veera Tripathi, Highway (2014)

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Another Imtiaz Ali film, Highway where Alia is appeared to be a victim of Stockholm Syndrome, a condition where hostages develop a sense of affection with captors or kidnappers. Veera belonging from an affluent family gets kidnapped by Mahabir Bhati (Randeep Hooda) realises that she is not that typical girl to savour this materialistic world with utmost extravagance. When Veera returned to her home, the most affected person, who became fond of her over the time, was Mahabir Bhati. The movie is a beautiful display of emotion between the hostage and the abductor.   

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Credits: Filmfare