Roles of Women in Movies

March is the one month when the whole world celebrates the importance and existence of women. A woman plays various roles in her life and is considered a thread that binds a family and society together, so it makes perfect sense that a whole month would be dedicated in their honor. BollyCurry brings to you a list of popular silver-screen characters in various shades of the fairer sex.

No words can do justice to what a mother means to her children. She is the most influential figure in a child's life, one who nurtures them and plays a big role in how they shape up as adults. But to harbor the same maternal instincts for kids other than her own is the true sign of a motherly heart. Jennifer Kapoor from Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) is probably the character to strike us first when it comes to mothers we look up to. Not only was she a single mother but one of her children happened to be her husband's illegitimate child, who she loved as much as her own biological child. Nandini Raichand from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001) also mothered a child who didn't have this special person to look up to in his life.

A daughter is a daughter all her life and the unconditional love she holds for her parents never dies down. They are not only the apple of their parents' eyes, but when time comes, they can be their biggest support system. Naina Kapoor of Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) is one such character who supported her single mother in her struggle to keep the family together in the constant bickering between her mother and her grandmother. Poorbi Anand from Aarakshan (2011) is yet another example. As her father is faced by a number of hurdles from being the principal at a university to teaching students in a cowshed to gathering negative media attention, she stands by him and is his strength throughout it all.

A wife is often referred to as her husband's better half, someone who he can trust, someone who he can count on to stand by him through thick and thin. Bollywood has given us wives who haven't ever disappointed on that front. In Kahaani (2012), we saw how Vidya Bagchi avenged her husband's death who was killed in a terrorist attack. Another example that comes to mind when we think of a supportive wife is Priya Malhotra in Aitraaz (2004). When her husband is accused of molesting his employers wife, she not only believes in his innocence but also represents him in court as his lawyer against them. In the end she wins the case and gets him acquitted.

A sister is someone from our own generation, who we count on at every step in life. Traditionally, a brother is said to protect his sister always but when needed, his sister can be his protector too. My Brother...Nikhil (2005) tells the tale of Anamika whose brother is diagnosed with HIV. His life falls apart and even his parents leave his side but Anamika stands by him through this hard time and when he is forcibly isolated from the rest of the world, she even secures his release with the help of her lawyer. A sister also fights for another sister. When Sonia Sehgal is brutally raped and murdered in Dushman (1998), her sister Naina takes it upon herself to avenge her death. Naina trains herself under an ex-army man and ultimately kills her sister's murderer in an act of self-defense.

If a woman can light up the world around her, she can also be dark, seductive and mysterious. They can often lead people into deadly situations. Susanna Johannes of 7 Khoon Maaf (2011) is a classic example of a femme fatale who marries all the wrong men in her life and ends up ultimately killing them. Sonia Roy in Aitraaz (2004) is a sexy vamp who falsely accuses her former lover and current employee of molesting her after he refuses her advances. Both these women have an aura of mystery and seduction which shows that women are not always girls-next-door.

All these roles aside, women are also used as the glamour quotient in much of Bollywood. Almost every movie, no matter what the theme or genre, has an item number which becomes an instant hit on the music charts. Most of these are picturised on women, who add the oomph factor.

Films are a mirror to society and what is shown is a subtle reflection of what we see around us everyday. Do leave your views on how much you can relate to these figures on screen and what importance does a women have in your life.

Author: Neethi B.
Editors: Komal P. & Gunia M.
Graphics: Marsh P.