Women’s Day Special | Top 10 Bollywood Films That Represent Strong Female Characters

With the increasing awareness of sex discrimination, the rising voice of the female community, our society is gradually moving towards empowering its woman. 

On the occasion of  International Women's day, let's take a look at how Bollywood has supported feminism.  Here are some of the films you can binge watch this Women's day. The list of these 10 Bollywood films features strong female characters at the forefront. 

1. MOTHER INDIA (1957)

'Mother India' is probably one of the first big Bollywood films with a strong female protagonist. Directed by Mehboob Khan, the film released in 1957 and made a glorifying space in the history of Indian films. The film was India's official nomination at the Oscars that year and was a powerful representation of a woman who rose against all odds to raise her sons.

2. BHUMIKA (1977)

Shyam Benegal's 1977 film 'Bhumika' starring Smita Patil, is based on the issues faced by a female entertainer in 20th century India. The film is reportedly based on accounts from the life of a famous Marathi actress and it went on to win two national awards.

3. ARTH (1982)

The Mahesh Bhatt directorial 'Arth' depicts the story of a woman who is in search for her identity. It is based on the story of a filmmaker who is leaving his wife for another woman. The film that released in 1982 starred Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Smita Patil in lead roles.

4. MIRCH MASALA (1987)

Smita Patil's directorial 1987's 'Mirch Masala' was set in the backdrop of colonial India. The film depicts the journey of the female lead character 'Sonbai' who flees her village after slapping a subedar who commanded her to sleep with him.

5. ASTITVA (2000)

The critically acclaimed film 'Astitva' is one of the finest directions of filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar. The film that starred Tabu in the lead role is based on the story of a woman, who after being deprived of love from her husband, who fails to give her the time she desires, seeks love from another man. The film is a strong attempt to liberate a woman from male chauvinism.

6. LAJJA (2001)

Rajkumar Santoshi's 2001 film 'Lajja' depicts a stark contrast in the way women in the country are treated as Goddesses and tortured at the same time. The story is based on the lives of four women who attempt to fight for their rights and dignity going against societal norms.

7. DOR (2006)

Nagesh Kukunoor's 2006 film 'Dor' follows the tale of two women whose stories are bound together as a result of a tragedy. The film stars Ayesha Takia, Shreyas Talpade, and Gul Panag.

8. KAHAANI (2012)

Vidya Balan's 2012 film 'Kahaani' played an important role in changing the course of women-oriented films in new age Indian cinema. The story of the Sujoy Ghosh film revolves around a pregnant woman's search for her missing husband.

9. THE DIRTY PICTURE (2011)

Vidya Balan once again made a powerful impact with her 2011 film 'The Dirty Picture'. The actress portrays the role of late South Indian actress Silk Smitha in the film.

10. LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKHA (2017)

Also directed by a woman, 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' was neck deep in controversy before its release for being "lady oriented". The film, however, rose against all odds and hit screens in 2017. 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' starring Konkana Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak Shah among others is based on the lives of four women who are attempting to break away from the norms set by the conservative society.