How Indian cinema's portrayal of women has evolved since the 90s

The representation of women in the Indian film industry has had a profound transformation from the 1990s to the present day. This evolution also shows the changes in India concerning gender roles, women's empowerment, and cultural perceptions.

Women in Indian cinema in the 1990s

In the 1990s, actresses like Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit became iconic figures who combined glamour with assertive screen presence. However, Indian cinema, especially Bollywood, was dominated by formulaic stories that often relegated women to stereotypical roles. Female characters were typically portrayed as submissive, self-sacrificing, or ornamental figures, existing to serve the male protagonist’s storyline. The decade saw a surge in romantic and family-oriented films, such as 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge; and 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!', which, while commercially successful, often reinforced traditional gender roles.

Renowned filmmaker Aparna Sen, whose 1985 film 'Parama' challenged norms by depicting a woman's extramarital affair, reflected on the resistance she faced to portraying women's desires authentically. According to a Business Standard report she said during a discussion, "Now this is fairly commonplace, but at that time I was in for a lot of flak. Halfway through the premier of the film, several young men came up to me and raised questions about my idea of women’s liberation. But some women thanked me in person for telling the story. After having finished making the film, I realised how the women in the country have been deprived".

Women in 1990s Bollywood were often categorized as the "ideal bride" or the "vamp." The former was virtuous, family-oriented, and submissive, while the latter was judged for her independence. Films like 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' portrayed characters like Simran, who, despite moments of rebellion, ultimately adhered to traditional expectations of Indian womanhood, reinforcing patriarchal norms. Parallel cinema, led by filmmakers like Shyam Benegal and Deepa Mehta, offered more nuanced portrayals, but these films catered to niche audiences and lacked the commercial reach of mainstream Bollywood.

The rise of the "Angry Young Woman"

The 1990s also marked the emergence of the "Angry Young Woman" archetype in parallel cinema, a response to the feminist movements gaining traction in India. Films like 'Mirch Masala' (1987, released widely in the 1990s) portrayed women like Sonbai, who resisted patriarchal oppression with defiance. This archetype challenged the hegemonic narratives of mainstream cinema, offering complex, empowered female characters.

The shift in female representation

The 21st century, particularly the last decade, has witnessed a significant shift in how women are portrayed in Indian cinema. Female characters have become more complex, multi-dimensional, and central to the narrative. Films like 'Queen', 'Kahaani', 'Mary Kom', and 'Piku' showcase women as independent, resilient, and capable of carrying a film on their own merit. Actresses such as Kangana Ranaut, Vidya Balan, Deepika Padukone, and Taapsee Pannu have been at the forefront of this change.

This transformation is also reflected in the rise of female protagonists in genres traditionally dominated by men, including action, thriller, and biopics. Taapsee Pannu’s portrayal in 'Thappad' (2020), where she challenges domestic violence, are example of this trend. This also led to an increase in the growing acceptance of women as bankable leads marking a departure from the earlier industry mindset that male stars were the sole crowd-pullers.


Moreover, actresses and filmmakers have increasingly spoken out against gender disparity in the industry. Priyanka Chopra and Anushka Sharma, for instance, ventured into film production to create more meaningful opportunities for women and also Deepika Padukone breaking pay norms by earning more than her male co-stars.

As per an IANS report, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, known for women-centric films like 'Saat Khoon Maaf' (2011), has acknowledged this shift, "There was a time when the producers used to cut down the budget by 40 percent in case of a woman-centric cinema, but now things have changed. I think we as an industry are coming more towards equality in terms of gender." Bhardwaj's observation highlights the industry's growing acceptance of women-led narratives, driven by audience demand for authentic stories.


The rise of women filmmakers has been instrumental in this transformation. Directors like Zoya Akhtar, Meghna Gulzar, and Alankrita Shrivastava have redefined Indian cinema with bold, female-driven stories. Akhtar’s 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' and 'Gully Boy' feature women who are integral to the narrative, not mere accessories. Similarly, Shrivastava’s 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' (2016) sparked conversations about women’s sexuality, challenging censorship and societal taboos.


Speaking with IANS, Meghna Gulzar, whose 'Raazi' became one of the top-grossing Indian films, has highlighted the power of storytelling in reshaping perceptions: "I don't see my films as male or female-oriented; they’re about people. But yes, giving women characters depth and agency is something I consciously strive for.” Her work also includes 'Chhapaak' (2020), based on acid-attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal.

The role of streaming platforms and women filmmakers

The advent of streaming platforms has further amplified diverse narratives. These platforms have provided opportunities for unconventional themes, allowing filmmakers to explore complex female characters without the constraints of theatrical releases. Films like 'Bulbul' and series like 'Made in Heaven' showcase women navigating societal challenges with agency and depth.

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