Bollywood's Women Power
- smashits.com
Women have never had such strong foothold in Bollywood as they have today. They are not just objects of attraction; they have rather attained driver's seat in the tinsel town of Mumbai. The list of entrepreneurs and directors in Bollywood is getting bigger day by day. Pooja Bhatt is the latest on this list as she follows the legacy of Kalpana Lajmi, Tanuja Chandra, Gurinder Chaddha, Deepa Mehta and Mira Nair. Pooja's 'Paap', which means sin, is an inside journey into women's heart. The film has disclosed the woman's revolution against sexual repression. It is indeed an Herculean effort that the innermost emotions have shaped so beautifully.Gurinder Chadha's 'Bride and Prejudice' is her latest offering. She has beautifully crafted the emotions of love and sacrifice among the four sisters. Jane Austen (the author of 'Pride and Prejudice') would have been proud if she were alive. Gurinder's last film 'Bend It Like Beckham' was a smash hit all over. The woman-oriented film glorified the struggle and aspirations of a young girl aspiring to be a footballer like Beckham. 'Bride and Prejudice' comes straight from Gurinder's heart as she has woven the web of eternal love and relationship very much similar to Jane Austen's timeless classic. Gorgeous Aishwarya is the charming elder daughter "Lalita" of the middle class Bakshi family. Namrata Shirodkar, Meghna Kothari and Piya Rai Chaudhry are Aishwarya's siblings in the film. International star Martin Henderson also makes promising appearance.
Multifaceted choreographer Farah Khan is another surprise of the film industry. The chubby and energetic choreographer is all geared up with her directorial genius in Shahrukh's home production 'Main Hoon Na'. Farah's chorographical brilliance in "Chaiya Chaiya" of 'Dil Se' caught the nation's attention. Farah's prolific skills were instrumental in Shahrukh's success, as they have teamed up this time for a bigger bash.
Deepa Mehta has always been known for her controversial moves in the industry. Deepa's artwork has been labeled on natural elements of nature ('Fire', 'Earth' and shelved project 'Water'). Deepa's latest offering 'River Moon' is her delayed project 'Water' as she returns with much more grit and determination. Stars like Kareena Kapoor and Rahul Khanna have snapped ties with this project due to its controversial subject. Deepa is maintaining her ground intact as she is charged up with new star cast. Deepa Mehta is expected to direct Pritish Nandy's ambitious project 'Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam'.
Mira Nair made her name with international hit 'Monsoon Wedding'. The cultural procession of human emotions was made simple on celluloid. She is busy in directing 'Historical blindness' starring Uma Thurman in Hollywood. She promises to make her next film in Bollywood with a backdrop of rural India.
Tanuja Chandra is one of the prominent female directors. Tanuja's 'Sangharsh' and 'Dushman' proved her mettle as a flamboyant director. She returns this year with 'Hope and a Little Sugar', a comical family entertainer. The film has the backdrop of the aftermath of 9/11 (twin towers attack in the U.S). Urmila Matondkar is expected to play the lead role; the rest of the cast is yet to be decided. Tanuja is busy in making 'Stardust', the sentimental story of a film actress. Mahima plays the character of film actress; maybe this is her best performance.
Aruna Raje has a bold theme of extra marital affair in 'Tum-A Dangerous Obsession' made with flair. Manisha's bold acts continue with this film as she plays a lonely and isolated wife attracted to a younger man. Aruna's filmography speaks her dedication towards woman-oriented subjects. 'Rihaee' and 'Bhairavi' were critically acclaimed, and she hopes big for 'Tum- A Dangerous Obsession'.
Paravati Rajagopalan made her presence felt with 'Rules: Pyar Ka Superhit Formula'. This offbeat film had successful model Milind Soman and newcomer Meera Vasudevan in the lead role. Paravati's excellence in TV serials 'Margarita' and 'Hubahu' gave her niche in making this different type of love story.
Shona Urvasi, the niece of Gul Anand, has directed 'Chupke Se'. The film has the acting potentials of Masumi, Rati Agnihotri, Zulfi Sayed and Om Puri. The film may not be among the top slot, yet it has made news with its different treatment and concept.
Kalpana Lajmi is all set for her upcoming project 'Sinhasan'. She burnt her hands with youth- oriented crime thriller 'Kyon'. The reigning Bollywood queen Aishwarya Rai is expected in the title role in 'Sinhasan'. The film is based on iron-hearted and strong-willed woman working in politics. Aishwarya is lucky enough to have got a strong author- backed role, which was aspired by her archrivals.
There seems to be a sea of women's excellence in Bollywood as their untapped potentials will be on display on celluloid this year. Sun may shine brighter for them as the industry still awaits its first big hit.
