Kalki Koechlin in the film Margarita With A StrawThe Indian film industry is one of the largest and most influential film industries in the world. While the industry has a long and rich history, the role of women in it has often been marginalised and undermined.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement of women in the Indian film industry who are challenging these norms and making their mark as talented and visionary filmmakers, producers, actors, even technicians.
The history of women in Indian films can be traced back to the early days of Indian cinema, when women were often cast in lead roles and played important parts in the production of films. However, as the industry grew and evolved, the representation of women on screen became increasingly limited and stereotypical, with women often being portrayed as passive and submissive characters mostly.
Alankrita Shrivastava’s films focus on unexplored themes of gender, sexuality and empowerment
Exploring new domains
In the last decade, women filmmakers have been breaking barriers and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the medium. One of the key ways that women in the Indian film industry are making their mark is by venturing into the new and limitless zone of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, Zee5, etc.
These platforms have provided a new and innovative way for women to showcase their talents and tell the stories that matter to them, that affect them and millions of women around the world.
Filmmakers like Reema Kagti, Leena Yadav and Alankrita Shrivastava have been instrumental in creating original content for these platforms, exploring themes like women empowerment, sexuality and the complexities of relationships in a way that is bold, honest and authentic. Zoya Akhtar and Shonali Bose are known for stories showcasing women with fire and grit and their films are perceived as honest, authentic and powerful.
They are breaking down the traditional stereotypes of women in Indian films and creating new and exciting narratives that showcase the diversity and complexity of their own experiences as a woman and that of all kinds of women out there in the world.
Similarly, several women producers in India are helping to create new and exciting films by collaborating with talented filmmakers and writers and fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation. Through their work, these women are helping to shape the future of films and OTT in India and are playing a crucial role in their growth and success.
Actors taking new challenges
Women actors of the Indian film industry are breaking down traditional gender roles and stereotypes by taking on roles that challenge conventional expectations. While Vidya Balan has always experimented and entertained her audience with bold and different roles, some never imagine for women actors in the Indian film industry roles such as in The Dirty Picture, Kahaani, etc. These films have explored themes like sexuality and empowerment in a bold and honest way.
More recently, women actors with star power like Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone are also diversifying from typical glamorous or arm-candy roles and pushing boundaries of what is possible in the acting world. Priyanka Chopra, for example, has taken on roles in films like Mary Kom and The Sky Is Pink which showcase the strength and resilience of women and challenge conventional expectations of femininity. Many actresses are working to bring attention to important social and political issues as well.
Leaving a mark
Since the inception of the Indian film industry, there have been many remarkable women who have made a significant impact on Indian cinema. They have come from diverse backgrounds and have worked in different capacities within the film industry, but all have left their mark and have made important contributions to the growth and development of cinema in the country.
Devika Rani Chaudhuri, considered to be one of the first actresses of Indian cinema, was also a film producer and co-founder of the Bombay Talkies studio – which was one of the first successful film production companies in India. A renowned classical dancer and actress, Vyjayanthimala Bali was one of the first female actors in Indian cinema to gain international recognition. She is still remembered as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.
Veteran actress and dancer, Zohra Sehgal was one of the first popular female actors to make a successful transition from the stage to the screen. Sridevi Kapoor, a legendary actress who starred in some of the biggest hits of the 80s and the 90s, was known for her versatile acting abilities.
These, and many others, have played an important role in the growth and development of the Indian film industry. Their contributions have paved the way for future generations of women filmmakers and actors in India. Through their talent, hard work and unwavering commitment to the craft, these women have helped make Indian cinema the rich and diverse industry it is today.
Conscious storytelling
Alankrita Shrivastava is an Indian film director, screenwriter and producer known for her works as an independent filmmaker and for her feminist and socially-conscious storytelling.
Shrivastava’s directorial debut was the 2011 film Turning 30 which was well received by audiences and critics alike. She continued to gain recognition for her work with films like Lipstick Under My Burkha which was a commercial and critical success and won several awards and accolades.
The filmmaker strives to tell untold stories – focusing on women’s issues and unexplored themes of gender, sexuality and empowerment. Her films have been widely praised for their nuanced and powerful storytelling and for their ability to spark important conversations.
Actor Taapsee Pannu has established herself as a leading performer with several powerful performances under her belt. Her Hindi-film journey began in 2013 with the film Chashme Baddoor which was well received by audiences and critics alike.
She continued to gain recognition for her performances in films like Pink and other films that highlighted important social issues affecting women today. In her film Thappad, for example, she plays the role of a woman who stands up against domestic abuse.
In recent years, Pannu has continued to challenge herself and explore new genres and her work has been widely celebrated. She has starred in several action and thriller films as well, such as Naam Shabana and Badla. She is very vocal about women issues and gender equality.
Inclusion and representation
Films have historically been a medium for entertainment but time and again, conscious filmmakers have used films to highlight social issues, question authorities and trigger change. Then there are those who make films to bring attention to the under-represented and the marginalised to push for inclusion of all segments of society.
Filmmaker and director Shonali Bose has made several such films like Amu, Margarita with a Straw, The Sky is Pink, etc., which have thought-provoking themes. Throughout her career, Bose has been an advocate for greater representation and inclusivity in the film industry and her work often showcases such stories. Her 2014 production Margarita with a Straw starring Kalki Koechlin as a girl with cerebral palsy premiered at 2014 Toronto International Film Festival.
The Sky Is Pink starring Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim and Rohit Suresh Saraf is based on the true story of Aisha Chaudhary who suffered from severe combined immunodeficiency and pulmonary fibrosis. She continues to be a pioneering voice in Indian cinema.