The amount of literature and films lost to us by would-have-been female creators, who were otherwise confined under the triple yoke of patriarchy, religion, and imperialism, is unfortunate.
Fatima Begum is widely considered as undivided India’s first woman filmmaker. With her 1926 fantasy film, Bulbul-eParistan, she pioneered the art of modern filmmaking as we know it. While Jaddanbai, Nargis’ mother, successfully bankrolled her own films, making them commercially viable too. She was also among the first female music composers in India. And then there’s Devika Rani, who challenged the kind of structures few creators would have even acknowledged. She starred and produced Achut Kanya (1936), a reformist masterpiece that put the atrocities of caste firmly in the limelight.
Unfortunately, no prints of Bulbul-eParistan or Achut Kanya survive today. Female filmmakers slowly petered out post-Independence. Later, with the advent of filmmakers like Sai Paranjpye, Aparna Sen, Kalpana Lajmi, among others, there was some hope of a feminist revival. But the momentum couldn’t be sustained.
But now, the advent of democratisation of the digital space and unhindered creativity afforded by producers of OTT platforms has ushered in a new wave of female storytellers. Their point of view as diverse as the Indian mind, their characters more nuanced than ever before, and the gaze of the film camera (finally) more empathetic.
How important is it then to nurture and protect this reformation of sorts, a movement of its own? Or should the celebrations already begin?
WARMTH & EMPATHY
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2021 من Grazia.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 2021 من Grazia.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
A Postcard From Paris
Emily Cooper's fashion Olympics are just getting started and we have all the deets on it
A TIMELESS CRAFT
Nilofar Jaques blends tradition and modernity with Anayah Jewellery
THE NEW RAMENTICS
India's New Wave Of Ramen Chefs Are Creating Magic One Slurp At A Time
A SLICE OF PARADISE
Looking for a serene escape to find your inner peace? We have the perfect spot that will nourish you – mind, body, and soul -
SINGAPORE'S ULTIMATE URBAN SANCTUARY
Travel Blog First Light discovers the destination where The Lion City roars with luxury and comfort, offering an unparalleled adventure
A LUXURY HAVEN IN VIETNAM'S HEARTLAND
Looking for the ultimate retreat from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life? Here's a destination where opulence and tranquillity harmonise effortlessly
THE GRAZIA A/W 2024 TREND REPORT
As we move into a new season, suiting takes on a fresh approach, metallics still reign supreme and lady-like dressing makes an appearance. Novel styling suggestions, conversation starting prints, and statement silhouettes are all out to play. Here are the best trends to keep an eye out for
Through The Looking Glass
Created to magnify the beauty and poignancy of an era of great change and burgeoning luxury, Louis Vuitton reveals a high jewellery collection quite unlike any other
So Close Yet So Far
The heartbreaking Indian fourth place finishes at Paris 2024
THE FABULOUS LIFE OF DVF
The life and times of Diane von Furstenberg -fashion icon, designer and '70s pin-up - are the subject of a new documentary. Now 77, she recalls a life well-livedplus, the making of her famous wrap dress