We know that power and strength run in families. But what traits do mothers pass on to their daughters? An allergy to nonsense? Rajashree Balaram speaks to mothers who have nurtured a generation of champions, and daughters who are still learning, every day.
The ’70s was a restless decade. Historians refer to it as a pivotal time, when progressive, liberal values bubbled to the surface as an outcome of vigorous political churn. The effect was most noticeable in the lives of women; suddenly, there erupted a passionate quest for economic independence and an unrestrained assertion of identity. It is not surprising that bell bottoms would dominate the fashion landscape of those years. Billowy and flared around the legs, they made a statement— our limbs would not be shackled by propriety and convention.
It’s telling that famed Odissi dancer Protima Bedi is best remembered for running naked on Juhu Beach, Mumbai, in 1974. This ’70s icon, representing freedom of expression in India, still faced her share of criticism from even the most liberal flower-power non-conformists of the time, who couldn’t help but wonder, ‘What kind of a mother is a woman like that?’ In 2005, three decades later, Protima’s proud daughter, actor Pooja Bedi, released Time Pass, a book based on Protima’s half-written memoirs.
In an interview, Pooja said her mum was open about everything in life, and that working on that book was not cathartic for her at all because Protima never concealed the details of her relationships or her private actions from her children in the first place. While editing the book,Pooja was often tempted to temper the more notorious aspects of her mum’s life. But she finally left the details of the book naked and unsoftened, the way her mother would have wanted it. Not many would choose to open themselves and the memory of a loved one up like this to controversy. But much of Pooja’s audacity was long bequeathed to her by her mother. It’s clear that the late Protima’s indomitable honesty continues to guide Pooja’s outlook towards life and truth.
Denne historien er fra March 14 2016-utgaven av Femina.
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Denne historien er fra March 14 2016-utgaven av Femina.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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THE GOODNESS OF GHEE
What: The Pure Cow Ghee range for babies with sensitive skin from Himalaya Babycare
Hello Hyderabad!
The Kaftan Company makes its debut in Hyderabad with a physical store
A COSMIC CULINARY JOURNEY
Located in the vibrant heart of Kolkata, That Place Bowl & Bar aims to be something out of the ordinary
BIG ON THE SCREEN
Writer-director INDIRA DHAR is no newcomer to international film festivals, but a standing ovation at Cannes for her latest film was an unforgettable experience. She talks to Shraddha Kamdar about the inspiration, her love for films and more
COMMAND RESPECT EFFORTLESSLY
Try these strategies if you hate not being taken seriously.
FIND CALM IN CHAOS
Deal with difficult situations using the principles of stoicism.
GREENER IN THE CUP
Samiksha Bhowmik details why a cup of matcha needs to be part of your diet
THE BEST OF TWO VIBRANT WORLDS
LYLA, in Mumbai's BKC, seamlessly blends Central American vibrancy with Californian flair
A Melange Of the Middle East & Indian Spices
Bringing contemporary twists to tradition, MERCHANT & ME is a youthful urban space for cuisine and cocktails in Pune
10 REASONS WHY SEYCHELLES COULD BE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION
Seychelles hits all the high notes on the romance roster whether you're on honeymoon or a love break.