She, The Hero

The tide has turned for the hindi film heroine, who’s currently cracking author-backed roles far more interesting than the ones being offered to her male counterparts. Devesh sharma chronicles the evolution of this pink revolution

- Devesh Sharma

The film industry has always been a male bastion. Our films traditionally have centered around the male star, who always gets more screen time, meatier dialogue and coats to wear in winter as the heroine shimmers (and shivers) in a chiffon saree. More pay too. But things seem to be changing slowly. The heroines are getting bigger and better roles. They’re even getting star billing in films. They are turning producers, directors and are taking power in their hands. This could surely result in the industry acquiring a better work environment and would hopefully translate into pay parity as well. Here’s looking at some of the ladies, who’re changing the rules through their choices...

Vidya Balan

Vidya became a gamechanger by playing five consecutive roles to wide acclaim in the drama Paa (2009), in the black comedy Ishqiya (2010), in the semi-biographical thriller No One Killed Jessica (2011), in the biopic, The Dirty Picture (2011), on Silk Smitha, the shattered siren and the thriller Kahaani (2012). You had eyes only for Vidya Bagchi in Kahaani, a vulnerable pregnant woman, who turns out to be an avenging angel with murder on her mind. She followed it up with Tumhari Sulu (2017). The film had her playing a bored homemaker, who thanks to a bit of luck and attitude becomes a household name as a radio host. The film took a hard look at the life of a middle-class woman and was an extension of sorts to Satyajit Ray’s Mahanagar.

Kangana Ranaut