Bollywood's new age heroines

In the recent past, we have had some refreshing Hindi films centered around the spunky leading lady, instead of the hero, for a change. Tumhari Sulu, and Qarib Qarib Singlle were two such films, in which the heroine was not a glamorous doll or a weepy willow, but a personality of her own. Even her age group was 30+ rather than the usual 18-20. None of them were vociferous feminists, but quietly believed in themselves.

Sulu or Sulochana, played by the inimitable Vidya Balan, is a happy housewife seeking a job to boost her identity. She lands the job of a Radio Jockey for a night show, and despite having to make several adjustments in her routine, takes up the challenge with a smile and "can-do" attitude. 

Braving lewd callers, her husband's growing discontent, and the open disapproval of her relatives, she doesn't budge from her stand and continues with her job. She also seeks out an ingenuous solution for keeping the frustrated husband engaged and happy. In all this, she doesn't wallow in self-pity or blame others even once. She is the "now" woman, happy in her choices and ready to take responsibility for making them.

The other heroine, Jaya, of Qarib Qarib Singlle (played wonderfully by Parvathy), is a quiet, determined, composed lady, seeking out some genuine male companionship more out of choice, than of need. She finds her match in the rougish Yogi, played with devilish abandon by Irrfan Khan. However, throughout the film, she strongly holds her own, in the face of the overpowering charm of her suitor.  

Her sense of personality and identity is never threatened by the dominance of the other. She gives as good as she gets. As a widowed middle-aged lady, expected to be in the shadows rather than in the limelight, she doesn't bow to society's expectations and merrily reverses the roles thrust on her by her friends and associates. The film is as much about her evolution into a more open, frank and forthright person, as her journey to seek love. She finds love all right, but will not compromise on her identity or her choices for that.

Great to see such warm, down-to-earth, lively women, who look and behave like one of us ordinary people, rather than as tinsel town models. Even better to see them talk and react like us when faced with challenging situations. 

Keep it coming, Bollywood!