Queen Politics

For many years since Aishwarya – there was a confused moment in regards to “Queen status” for Bollywood fans. Everyone was quick to name people who suited their interest – and some even strangely name themselves. However, somehow after Madhuri and Aishwarya, there wasn’t really anyone who represented a ‘Bollywood’ queen, the one with the essential Indian beauty, grace and charm. The girls who tried to fill their shoes were amazing, they were beautiful and while the slot was empty, they even filled it with their hotness, style and performances. But, something was missing. They weren’t really it. Sure, they were a change from the typical Bollywood queen - but Bollywood was lost in a world of Queen politics.

Then fast forward … As Deepika rose to her queen status in 2013, the public was in tune, it was almost like she reached for something we wanted her to have. We knew she earned it, and we happily gave her the crown. Today, the lady has more Facebook fans than Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan and even .. Amitabh Bachchan.

Hindi film heroines can be showpieces, and rarely they serve as art pieces. Audience is picky about their Queen for that reason. While her closest competitors seem to be at her throat for the ‘title’ – we wanted to lay down reasons for why Ms. Padukone is actually Queen Bee. Here’s to the others.

1. Because it is not just about acting. Sure, movies hire people who can act, but movies are also an extension of our ethnicity and culture, shown through movies. As such, the obsession with a queen is just that – she is a reflection of the essential Indian woman, who possesses grace, dignity and charm.

2. It is also about entertainment: This includes sizzling songs and dance performances. Can you imagine Madhuri without dhak dhak, Raveena  without tip tip – lets go back in time, can you imagine Madhubala without pyar kiya to darna kya? Aishwarya is remembered for her dances in nimbooda, Dholi taro. Katrina took the nation by storm with chikni and Sheila. Deepika will go down in history with some of the best performaces including dhoom tana, nagada sang dhol, lovely and perhaps even upcoming bajirao.

3. It is also about stage shows, awards, and concerts. If Bollywood was just about ‘acting’ – and outdoing each other in that regard, there would be no international presence. Bollywood has a global presence and the scope of entertainment is not limited to just acting anymore. HNY’s 2014 SLAM concert in U.S. was a highly popular show. During Deepika’s performance on ‘Lovely’ - there weren’t just cheers, there was utter shock/silence and then crazy cheers as you watched her move to the beat. Watch 2013/2014 IIFA performances are equally entertaining. When women around the world pinterest her fashion looks, or make youtube videos on how tos on her make up, it is clearly not just about acting. To a certian extent, even brands play a prominent role in an actor's career - but outside of India, not really. 

4. Because she’s always been a big deal. After her debut in Srk’s OSO, she was put on a pedestal immediately. A LOT of potential that needed some polishing but evidently, she had a fire. There’s a moment in Om Shanti Om, in which she is the biggest actress, the ‘dreamygirl’ and you actually believe it that ah, she will be the next Btown queen, because you already know it.

5. And so, the intrigue in her always remained, but her string of flops and high profile relationships left us assuming that this is it. Mind you, she doesn’t come from a film family either, but some women are born to be famous, born to be bombshells, born to get attention from and date the most popular guys. If you come to think of it – she would have been pretty hot playing badminton too, frankly, she is meant to be watched.

6. Her journey. Audiences love intrigue. Deepika’s life since she arrived has ignited a level of interest unmatchable. We’ve watched her grow into a beautiful woman in the public eye. We’ve kept up and commented on her high profile personal life over and over again, felt sad for her sadness and even felt happy for her happiness. When she rose to the zenith in 2013, she was suddenly so hot.. and talented. It makes one wonder where she had been hiding all along? If she was in love? Was she always this stunning?

7. The modern/traditional dichotomy. Her ability to be modern and yet Indian. It’s a life every urban, independent desi woman feels. The dichotomy of coming from a good, illustrious family, being the daughter of a famous father/sports legend (Prakash Padukone), having a good upbringing and yet, living alone in Mumbai city away from family. She is an example of the modern female, who still has her money managed by her father. She leads by example. So cute!

8. Her dances. We don’t mean booty shaking dancing that is popular now, but the type that takes GRACE and years of classic training (bajirao will prove this again). It is also that innate ability to BE. That Indian Goddess that can dance her butt off, you’re either born with it or not.

9. She is not just an ornament. She is almost too important for audiences now especially in a movie like Happy New Year or Bajrao or Tamasha, that require that complete heroine package – good looks, hot body, grace, talent (acting that is) AND dancing! Even a Piku did well because of her pull.. she makes movies likeable, because she is likable. She didn’t start off as a great actor, but it is not about how you start.. its about how you finish, and she has grown.

10. Dignity. At the end of the day, we want our culture to be lived through these women, who we want to look up to. They give us ravishing songs, performances at award shows, unbeatable talent/grace and most of all.. dignity. Speaking our for depression and owing up to it, standing up against TOI and being humble with her contemporaries had us love her more. Audiences know everything, they can see everything and for that reason, someone has to fit that tab entirely and more. AND For once in many many years now, Bollywood has a Queen, and we are in no mood to replace her just yet.