Women's Role In Bomba Cinema

Abstract: This paper attempts to understand the evolution of powerful women role models in Bomba Cinema. By delving into the socio-cultural framework and power structure of men and women in India, we study the changing landscape of Bombay Cinema. Using secondary sources from the field of sociology, gender studies, literature we explore the gender representation of women in media and their issues highlighted. The paper takes a twofold approach- first by understanding how gender is represented through cinema we establish its link with the concept of social desirability and how women viewed as an outcast is slowly changing. Second we explore the transition in the damaging images of a woman to a strong, immanent powerful one and how it has affected

Cinema is indubitably one of the most popular art mediums and has the ability to influence beliefs, perceptions, thought processes, construct new images, emphasize on inculcating virtues and dissolving vices pertaining to a specific culture. Through the lens of a movie, a person can attach and detach themselves to the roles played by characters, internalize the theme and understand its significance if any. Studies on gender roles in media show that women are underrepresented in movies, and that they are represented in a different way than men. (Carter & Steiner 2004). This paper attempts to contrast gender representation in India’s socio-cultural framework and power structure with changing landscape of Bombay Cinema. Socio-religious beliefs, influence of Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, myths, legends, superstitions, societal practices, rites and rituals all have contributed in shaping the ideal woman in Indian societies. The patriarchal fabric of India ensures that all these factors constantly remind women that their role in the society both urban and rural settings is

Each phase of Hindi cinema had its own representation of women, but they were confined largely to the traditional, patriarchal frame-work of the Indian society. The ordinary woman has hardly been visible in Hindi cinema.” Time has come when the focus of the camera has gradually shifted from women’s sexuality to her individuality and identity. Through our paper we will be exploring the changing focus of Bollywood on women issues and emphasizing their rights. Directors are experimenting with social taboos like child marriage, rape, dowry (Lajja 2001), plight of widows (Water 2005, Dor 2006) infidelity (Astitiva 2000), surrogacy, divorce (Zubeeda 2001), live-in relations (Salam Namaste 2005), female feticide (Matrabhoomi 2003) etc. Movies highlighting social issues like prostitution (Chandni Bar 2001) and the sexual abuse through the caste system (Bandit Queen 1994) are evident of the uncountable tragedies faced by a woman. Further, the plight of women in power like (Fashion 2008, Dirty Picture 2011) is also being voiced today. Women who chose to enter the world of sports and the severe challenges faced by them have been emphasized through movies like (ChakdeInida2007 and Mary Kom 2014). Each of these movies has explored the social issues faced by a woman and her journey of despair