When you look at the body of work of all the contemporary auteurs in Indian cinema, is there a commonality in how each of them portray their female characters? If so, what do these archetypes tell us about the men who are crafting them for celluloid?
Remember Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ode to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Nandini, in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam? The man was so besotted with his muse that he had a whole song inserted in the film to describe her. And it wasn’t one of those typical Bollywood numbers, where the hero sees the heroine in her uninhibited glory and falls in love with her at first sight. This was a glorification of the character — a description of how she moves, dances, laughs, reacts, rules every heart in the city and hence, the national audience.
It is no secret that Bhansali was obsessed with Aishwarya. Just like Ram Gopal Verma was obsessed with Urmila Matondkar since Rangeela. Or the way Vishal Bhardwaj is obsessed with Lady Macbeth. In a cruelly sexist industry, where almost all the directors and producers are men, it is always interesting to see how these men are defining the women in their films. Most of the leading film-makers in the industry right now have been around for at least two decades. Is there a commonality in how they design their heroines?
MANI RATNAM’S MIDDLE CLASS FIRECRACKER
Mani Ratnam’s women are interestingly layered. While on the face of it they come across as traditional, obedient and dad-fearing, they are vivacious, naughty and enjoy breaking rules. They are not consequence-oriented, but rather relish every moment that they spend — much like India’s expansive middle class, who might not have the means for luxury and hence, have learned to wring out every experience. His women might come across as coy and feeble, but their indomitable spirit and strength always shine through. Be it Roja or Bombay or Dil Se, Ratnam’s women have a complicated character graph. They are always stronger than the men, are driven by ideology and practicality over emotion and are forever questioning their realities.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2017-Ausgabe von Man's World.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2017-Ausgabe von Man's World.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique
More than a generation after she was last seen on screen, the mystique that she successfully wrapped herself in continues to serve her well in the public imagination. Her fleeting public appearances in dazzling silk sarees and makeup continue to beguile the camera in the same manner it did at the peak of her career
iPhone Fatigue
Do we really need an annual Apple flagship release?
Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness hit men at an early age, at times in late 30s and early 40s. We asked the experts the reason behind it, treatments that can help, and factors to take care of
SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY
In conversation with Man's World for Hyundai Drive Within campaign, the stylish Indian batter talks about her craft, evolution, and her thoughts on women's cricket
Pritam Hitting The High Note
A National Award for Brahmastra: Part One Shiva this year and songs that continue to clock millions of streams, Pritam Chakraborty proves why he's one of the most acclaimed Hindi Film music directors of our time
JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE
In conversation with Man's World as a part of Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Jemimah Rodrigues take us through the drive within her that inspires her to be the best in her business.
SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
In conversation with Man's World India as a part of the Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Shafali Verma opens up about her historic double century, her fearless brand of cricket, and more
Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition
Seiko's 100th anniversary of the first watch to bear its name brought an exciting addition to its famed Prospex collection; a timepiece that pays homage to the brand's iconic history while embracing modern ideas of versatile wearability
WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS
Horology isn't just about precision. It's also about understanding the rules of perception-and sometimes, taking a sledgehammer to them
Denim The Timeless Trendsetter
Crystal Henricksen, Head of Denim Design at GAP, shares with us what makes the fabric simple, versatile, and timeless