From Aitraaz to Pink, 6 Bollywood films which were strong flagbearer of feminism

Feminism is perhaps the most used and misunderstood word worldwide. The word which essentially stands for 'equality' is being seen as a threat by chauvinist men who continue to reap the benefits of being born as the opposite sex. 

However, what is more appalling is that women themselves don't quite understand this word very well. Instead of looking for an equal opportunity, many use this movement as a tool to bash men. 

Well, as the movement is finding momentum worldwide, India is not behind. One of the few industries to have taken this movement seriously is our entertainment industry which has certainly seen a surge in women-centric films in the last decade but obviously, there is a need for more. 

Nonetheless, as 'feminism' is being regarded as the "Word of the Year” 2017 by American's most trusted online dictionary, Merriam Webster, we list down a few movies which has shown feminism in its right spirit. 

Let's have a look, shall we?

1. Aitraaz (2004)

The movie starring Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Akshay Kumar is perhaps one of the first movies to capture the spirit of feminism aptly in Bollywood in the 21st century. The plot of the movie primarily revolved around how a woman uses her power to manipulate and falsely accuse a man of sexual advances. The movie very smartly proves a point that while we understand that women have been subjected to heinous crimes from time immemorial, men too can be victims. The crime should be seen as a crime in totality and must not be adulterated due to gender biases. 

2. English Vinglish (2012)

The movie which also marked the comeback of Sridevi to the silver screen is all about a mother who instead of indulging in self-pity, decides to change with the tide. The movie speaks of making oneself capable of being treated as equals. Not just that, Sridevi even makes a poignant point how men and women are treated differently when it comes to as basic as work choice. For example, if you can recollect the scene when Sridevi nonchalantly says that when a man cooks, it is called 'art' but when a woman does, it is "duty". That dialogue in itself deserved the loudest of applause. It is all about women emancipation. 

3. Chak De India (2007)

Even as the movie was dominated by King Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, the movie essentially is about women playing hockey. The movie is about finding an equal opportunity on the global map and seeking a chance to prove yourself. When Priti (Sagarika Ghatge) slams her boyfriend who is a well-known cricketer in the movie, all we wanted to do is blow kisses at her. SRK was seen making the girls slog as much as he would have made the guys do and that is exactly what feminism stands for. EQUALITY! There was no sympathy given, it was purely game oriented. 

4. Mary Kom (2014)

Priyanka Chopra as Mary Kom was not just fierce but also breathtakingly inspiring. The movie, a biopic on Mary Kom, focused on the choice a girl should have the freedom of making. It is about standing up and fighting all odds for your choice, however, unconventional the career choice is. In the movie, we see Mary fighting the odds to achieve her goal, she fought every hurdle including her father's dis-encouragement about her taking up this sport. Everything in the movie is a lesson to be learned. 

5. Queen (2014)

Kangana Ranaut's Queen is a textbook example of what feminism looks like. The movie is about being comfortable in one's skin and not judge oneself or bind themselves to what society wants them to do. Queen is about travelling the world, find the right cause and live life to the fullest. This Kangana Ranaut starrer is all about breaking boundaries and not limit yourself to the judgemental stereotypes. It is about living life like a self-proclaimed 'QUEEN' and not bend to anyone, come what may.  

6. Pink (2016)

This film starring Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari and Andrea Tariang among others is a slap on society's face who continue to hold women responsible for their choices. The movie very subtly puts across a point that it is all about the 'Choice'. Having sex or not must be a choice and any action against it is a BIG NO. It is about women having the choice just like men and getting respect for it, that she must not be judged for their sexuality just because they belong to a certain gender. The audience shared the same emotions of rage as Big B delivered the heavy dialogue in the climax of the movie.