Representation of Women in Bollywood

This essay explores the representation of women in Bollywood movies, analyzing their portrayal, the influence of feminist film criticism, and the evolving roles of women in Indian cinema. It utilizes secondary sources like box office data, interviews, and academic research to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN
MAINSTREAM BOLLYWOOD
MOVIES

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................1
METHODOLOGY .........................................................................................................................4
Justification for choices of methods.......................................................................................4
Ethical Consideration.............................................................................................................5
PRESENTATION AND FINDINGS .............................................................................................6
Depiction of Women in Bollywood movies...........................................................................6
Box office India......................................................................................................................7
Role of Women in Indian Cinema..........................................................................................8
Portrayal of women in Hindi Films........................................................................................8
Statistical representation of women in mainstream bollywood movies.................................9
Changing roles......................................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12
Illustration Index
Illustration 1: Graph representing growth of female and male singers ...........................................4
Illustration 2: Roles differentiation in Bollywood movie................................................................6
Illustration 3: Rise of Female Centrefire movie in Bollywood........................................................7

INTRODUCTION
Representation of Women in main stream bloodwood film can be a critical point of
discussion because there are numerous movies which are focused on empowering of females
whereas there are film where the women are being dominated by male dominating society. The
Bollywood film do not discriminate between the character choices and represents what is the era
is going through. The focus of representation is to reflect the society about the condition of
women in individual society as compare to other western countries (Tere, 2012). The essay is
focused on analysing review of different films from secondary sources like box office, and role
of females in different Hindi films.
H1 There is significant relationship between women status in society and Bollywood women
representation.
H2 There is significant relationship between changing role of females in society and
representation in Hindi films.
This secondary study will assist in developing critical understanding over the role and
representation of women's in Bollywood movie. Further, the presentation will assist in deriving
statistic of gender reflections in main stream Hindi cinema. However, the presentation and
findings of research will be focused on feminist film criticism, stereotype and Bollywood
representation.
Research questions
 How women are represented in Bollywood films?
 Explain role of Women in Indian Cinema?
 What does women and their character portrays in Hindi films?
LITERATURE REVIEW
Cinema is meant for entertainment. It takes people to a world away from real life. It helps
people to find the truth behind cinema. In the recent era, cinema and media were focused on
feminist criticism. Cinema has restricted itself to define sketches of womanhood. Whereas,
media has able to transcend borders and look into deep issues. According to Kapoor, Bhuptani
and Agneswaran, 2017, Indian cinema has represented women in a better way. It has created a
positive image in society where woman are considered as a curse. Due to cinema, now, women
are developing themselves as a better human being. Feminist theory has taken up distinct relation
in cinematic narratives it has stereotyped female characters in cinema. As elucidated by Rasul,
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2017, there are several movies that has focused on feminist theory. It has created a great impact
on the minds of audience. Besides this, cinema has changed their concept of movies with time.
During seventies, there was gender discrimination in cinema. But with more participation of
women in cinema, it changed the overall concept. As per the views of Rasul and Raney, 2016
cinema has shown women empowerment by focusing on Indian society. It can be seen in
different movies:-
Highway – This movie was released in 2014 directed by Imtiaz Ali. It focuses on the story of a
girl who develops Stockholm syndrome after being kidnapped. It shows the way women can't
express their feelings when they are hurt by own family members. Also, it describes the Indian
family culture and way in which children are affected. After being kidnapped, Verra meet a man
who is also abused by his father. They both share their feelings on a beautiful journey. This
concludes that girls want to live a peaceful and independent life. How family member can also
be a threat for child
Dear zindagi – This movie was released in 2016 produced by Gauri Khan. It is based on the life
of a girl who is not happy with her life. She (Kaira) wants to direct her own films. After breaking
up with childhood love, Kaira was forced to live with her parents. But she starts facing some
issues resulting in unhappiness. Then, she met Dr. Jahangir who is a psychologist. This movie
shows that how abandoning a child can result in disputes. Also, it explained the way in which
parent’s one mistake can affect their child’s life. Apart from that, movie describes how girls are
abandoned by society.
Kahani – A story of a pregnant women whose mission was to find out her husband murdered. It
is entirely based on feminism and motherhood. It was released in 2012. Beside this, it shows how
a woman can dominate society if she wants to. The concept of movie is based on search for a
criminal by a woman. Moreover, it reflects how a woman can achieve her goals and show their
dominance in the society.
It is said by Nair and Tamang, 2016 that feminism in Indian cinema has reflected in
different concepts that are followed by the society. Also, it how narrowed the gap between male
and female. This is the reason why there has been change in society’s thinking. As elucidated by
Stephens and Lee, 2018, it is important to identify the nature of women in media. This is
because; women are consistently being harassed and sexualized. In addition to this, evaluation of
women in film suggests that role of actress is dependent of actor. Also, male dominate in whole
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story. Generally, females play a supporting role as they are considered as weak characters.
According to Chowdhury, 2017, women are the sign of fashion and attractiveness. They are
aggressive in nature. The combination of these traits are notions of female beauty. Along with
this, CFC has portrayed the trait of women in a positive way. It has forced viewers to increase
their endorsement. As per the views of Ahmed, 2016, CFC has led to better outcomes. It has
increased the tendency among young women viewers. In this, media has also played a crucial
role. It has combined both; CFC and AACFC. In addition to this, media effects have also created
a link in between realistic and fictional violence. This is the reason of depictions of violence as
more influential.
The portrayal of women in Hindi films
According to Kapoor, Bhuptani and Agneswaran, 2017 in last three decades, the
production of films in India is highly raised. India has produced many films that any other
country. This has also resulted in increased in film industry market. Apart from this, many new
actresses have been introduced by the directors. Moreover, concepts of movies are changed.
Now, it is based on true stories and feminism. As said by Rasul, 2017 the audience has also
interested in watching them. In 1990, women in films were considered as sex objects. This was
the main problem as 60% of sex scene contained sexual violence. In this, the victim was actress.
In the opinion of Rasul and Raney, 2016, in Hollywood, both actors and actresses behave in
romantic relationship. Also, in Indian cinema, perpetrators were killed by the victim family. This
shows a negative image of story. Also, it depicted a negative image of Bollywood in US. In a
research done by Nair and Tamang, 2016 many graduates think that their still exits gender
inequality in society. This is because of the attitudes and myths that exist in society. Traditional
gender stereotypes still hold a way in Indian society with widespread gender-based biases and
practices. There are some theories that is based in feminism. It was given in order to focus on
society.
Liberal feminism- It is an individual theory that focuses on women's ability to maintain their
equality through their own actions and choices. It emphasises on power of individual person to
alter discrimination. Women can be organised into larger groups by raising awareness of issues
and available resources. With this, contrast can be made between socialist who believe that
change is needed.
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Radical feminism – It is an approach of feminism in which male supremacy is eliminated by all
social and economic context. It views society in which men dominate by challenging social
norms. It includes raising awareness against violence. The main role of radical feminism is to
locate root cause of women oppression so that it can be eliminated. This can be done by
developing a proper legal system.
There are some researches that have been conducted on feminism. It shows that how role
of women in society can be improved. Also, it relates feminism with freedom. According to
Stephens and Lee, 2018, role of women in society has evolved. It has transformed the culture
and reduced discrimination. This is all due to the role of media and cinema. They are reflecting
on women empowerment that can create differences in between people. As said by Chowdhury,
2017, western culture has forced Bollywood to increase the role of women in films. The
gendered message in cinema may be changing. Moreover, globalization was included in 1990 in
film industry. Movies were made for global audience. As elucidated by Ahmed, 2016 , it highly
influenced young western viewers. This has changed the mentality of people. There has been
significant change in the Indian cinema. Theory of media has brought reality into fiction. It has
created a huge impact on the social development of women. In the opinion of Rasul, 2017,
trailers reflect modern approach of cinema. It helps in broader marketing of films. This is known
as saturation strategy. It is useful in making media aware of film essentially unavoidable. As said
by Rasul and Raney 2016, presence of violent content in movies has a complex effect in
perception of audience of advertised film. This makes a huge audience to anticipate more
suspense and humour.
METHODOLOGY
Methodology plays an important role in developing critical understanding over research
topic. However, in this study the focus of researcher will be on sampling, data, collection and
analysis in order to frame accurate example of the Bollywood representation specifically with
regard to Feminist film criticism, the portrayal of women in media content etc.
Justification for choices of methods
Research philosophy: The philosophy assist the researcher in developing critical
understanding over the research paper. There are two types of philosophy that is positivism and
interpretivism where positivism is related to logical arguments which can assist in drawing
findings. Interpretivism helps in developing understanding over the topic which are of human
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interest. Thus, in this study the research has implemented the use of interpretivism philosophy
which will assist analysing concept of representation of women characters in Bollywood movie.
Sampling: Sampling is the most complex part of research paper, where the individuals
needs to choose small numbers of sources from several available choices. There are various
sampling methods that is cluster, random, stratified, probable, non probable etc. However, in this
study, the researcher will implement the use of random sampling where the small sample of
investigation will comprise, movie scripts, poster, rating comparison, conducted interviews,
commercial hits and posters of films. Thus, the sample of study will be Hindi Films from Box
office India. In this the focus of investigator will be on top 10 domestic grossing films each year
for 10 years from 2004 to 2013.
Data Collection: Gathering information is most crucial part of study where the
individual is responsible for extracting information from different sources which are relevant to
topic of research. There are two types of data collection method that is primary and secondary
where secondary data related to already available and collected information which can be
reviewed from governmental publication, newspaper, official websites, articles, books, journals
etc. Apparently, primary data is based on current information and views of people and is
collected via interview, focused group, survey etc. Thus, in this research paper the scholar will
implement the use of secondary data collection in which the focus of individual will be on
analysing portrayal of Women in Indian fiction.
Data analysis: It is the final part of study which helps the investigator in drawing finds
on gathered information. There are numerous data analysis methods such as quantitative,
qualitative, controlled trials, content analysis etc. In this study the researcher will be focused on
content analysis with the helps of pictures, graphs, statistics, debates and concept of literature.
This analysis will assist in developing final understanding over the representation of women in
Bollywood movies. Further, to make study more relevant and effective the scholar will
implement the use of Bechdel test which is measure that is uses to examine women in film as per
their role. Thus, it can b said that this test will assist in drawing realistic presentation of women
in world of Bollywood.
Ethical Consideration
Ethical consideration is the foremost responsibility of scholar in order to maintain the
important ad reliability of collected information. In this study the focus of scholar will be on
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collecting information from relevant and reliable secondary sources because the impact of
Bollywood movie and character presentation is directly related to public. However, protecting
interest if Bollywood and society will the major concern of this research. On the other the
scholar will focus on referencing the study which will helps in maintaining viability of research
for future consideration (Rao, 2010). In addition, in texting sentences and detailed information
helps the investigator in ensuring reliability of information. Further, it helps in protecting
confidentiality and privacy of collected and analysed information.
PRESENTATION AND FINDINGS
Ratings of Bollywood film from 1 to 5
Movies Frequency
Ki and Ka 4.5
Parched 4
Lips under my Bhurkha 3.5
Neerja 4.5
Akira 3.5
In accordance to representation, it has been analysed that Ki and KA, movies where men
worked as housewives and women worked in corporate world for earning were mostly like and
rated Film. However, all the moves represent women status but in different manner and therefore
have different rating as per liking and societal beliefs.
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4.5
4
3.5
4.5
3.5
Ki and Ka
Parched
Lips under my
Bhurkha
Neerja
Akira

Changing roles of women in Hindi films Frequency
Kareena kapoor as working women 4
Sonam kapoor as a fighter 4.5
Sonakshi sinha for drug abuse 4
In accordance to evaluation it has been determined that society feels that it is important
for the females to be a fighter and strong women. The representation of film is based on strong
spirit and power of women to fight for determination and own goals regardless of uncertainty of
situation. The film depicts the characters which needs to promote and encouraged in society for
development.
Depiction of Women in Bollywood movies
From the analysis, it has been evaluated that Hindi films reflect stereotypes characters
which are driven from different ideologies. The facts released by Geena Davis Institute on
Women in Media supported by UN Women and The Rockfeller Foundation, claimed that the
Indian cinema is focused on objectifying women on screen. The dialogues and characters of
females in movies changes from good to bad very quickly which reflects mentality of society.
For example film fashion by Madhur Bhandarkar in which Priyanka Chopra played as Meghna
Mathur, a girl from small town and desperately wanted to become model despite of the facts of
industry who were breaking her down. Further, as per this example it can be demonstrated that
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4
4.5
4 Kareena kapoor as
working women
Sonam kapoor as
a fighter
Sonakshi sinha
for drug abuse

women in Indian films reflects the situation which are experienced by million of girls in society
(Himabindu, Arora and Prashanth, 2014\ p.23718). Thus, it can be argued that representation of
women in Bollywood moves in focused on empowerment but on the other hand it is risk for
society because the movies on screen seems are more like objectifying.
Box office India
Box office India is the phase which reflects reviews and performance of movie in society.
For example Ki and Ka was a semi hit movie. The film was scripted to empower women role in
society as corporate workers where the men will be working for household work. The movie
reflects that the boy was influenced by the role of his housewife mother. The Box office
collection of movie was 52 crores in India and 100 crores worldwide (Ki & Ka, 2018). The
concept created influence on society for the majority of males who wanted to work as
housewives but restricts themselves due to society. In addition, the film revolutionised women
thinking for working to accomplish their goals (Matusitz and Payano, 2011\ pp.65-77). From
the business and influence it can be said that media supports Bollywood in influencing society
for objectifying women for specific works. Apart from this, there was a film called Dil wale
Dhulaniya le Jaenge which was released in 1995 and was liked by majority of crowd. The film
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Illustration 1: Graph representing growth of female and male singers
Source: (After analysing 4,000 films, researchers confirm that Bollywood movies are
still crazy sexist, 2017)

started off as harassment and staking and sally it ended up by depicting women with lack of
choices against father and family. This role was actress was based on demonstrating society
about the condition of women in society which are restricted by family and forced to get married
regardless of their choices. Thus, in accordance to comparison it can be stated that Bollywood is
focused on stereotypes opinion and choices for women.
Role of Women in Indian Cinema
Interview with shoma A. Chatterji is a freelance journalist and a film scholar. She
received award of best writing and film crtic. The journalist stated that Bollywood making is
stereotypes and is based on the situation of society like there are very limited films which
represent the outspoken and strong women who raise their voice for injustices (INTERVIEW
WITH SHOMA CHATTERJI – Role of Women in Indian Cinema, 2010). The cinema is more
abut the showing females character as obeying and homely personalities. The movie which
represents strong women are only bio pic which represents ancient characters. However, it is
important for the individual in film industry to focus on empowering women instead to of
criticising their role as object (Ganti, 2013). In accordance to interview, it has been analysed that
it is important for the actress to indulge in character to get social acceptance which is related to
commitment. For admiring the respondent stated that it is important for the Bollywood to focus
on learning new skills such as, climbing, fighting, karate etc. It is important for the actress to
enjoy their role in order to influence society.
Portrayal of women in Hindi Films
India is known as large producer of film where most of the films are based on individual
society, wand women condition which are based on every types that is lack of choices, power,
strong working females, dominating, dominated etc. The Indians films depicts violence,
sexuality, gender etc. The films are based on different situation which are experience by women
in society. Majority of bloodwood films reflect women as sex object such as parched which
shared story of three women in three different condition. Further, thee is lipstick under my
burkha which represented story of 4 women in different conditions (Dear Bollywood, When Will
You Cater To The Female Gaze?, 2017). These stories by Bollywood directors are focused on
making society aware about victims of sexual harassment and
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sexual violence. Apart from this, there are films like Hero and Heroine where both movie were
based on bold characters of females who are willing to accept the criticism and fight of injustice
themselves.
Further, early 90s film were base don women where the individuals were harassed,
beaten and home trapped. In addition, the bollywood and media aimed at reflecting critical
conditions of family who have daughters because they were forced to give dowry which is the
cause of gender disparity in society. Hover, from the discussion, it can be concluded that
depiction of women as sex objects occupying traditional roles with aggressive behaviour is a
cause of concern as it is threatening and influencing for young Western female viewers. Hnece, it
can be concluded that men in Bollywood are represented and introduced by their profession
whereas women are introduced as “wife of” or “lover of” which reflects the disparity and
portray of females in bloodwood movie.
Statistical representation of women in mainstream bollywood movies
In accordance to Jain, 2018, it has been analysed that more than 50 percent of movie plots
have names of males instead of females but when is comes to promotion and poster presentation
the pictures features of actresses such as GaangaJal, Raees etc. In addition, almost 32 percent
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Illustr
ation 2: Roles differentiation in Bollywood movie
Source: (After analysing 4,000 films, researchers confirm that Bollywood movies are still
crazy sexist, 2017)

males plays role as doctor, lawyer in comparison to 3 % females s. Whereas women in movie are
characterized as secretaries, teachers etc. (Lajimodiere, 2013\ pp.104-109). The character
division of males ad females in Indian Cinema is another cause which is influence mentality of
society ad leading to Gender disparity. In accordance to this discussion, it can be sated that no
individual in society can be limit to any role due to gender. It is important for the Indian cinema
to be a motivating factors for society as the results of Indian film are directly concerned to media
and society.
Changing roles
In this the scholar discussed about the changing roles of people in society due to
stereotyping of Indian cinema (Rasul and Raney, 2016\ pp.267-287). Like the film by Vidya
Balan that is Kahani and queen by kangana Ranaut demonstrate the changing perception of
people on both level that is on screen and off screen. As per analysis, it has been demonstrated
that the proportion of female-centric movies have increased in recent years. The encouragement
and development is clear with movie like, Dear Zindagi, Akira, Nil Battey Sannata, Margarita,
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Illustration 3: Rise of Female Centrefire movie in Bollywood
Source: (After analysing 4,000 films, researchers confirm that Bollywood movies are still crazy
sexist, 2017)

Neerja etc. However, in between of 2015 to 17, females played as central character in 11.9 %
(After analysing 4,000 films, researchers confirm that Bollywood movies are still crazy sexist,
2017). In 90s the percentage was early about 7 % which was very less in comparison to present
improvement.
CONCLUSION
Representation of women in Bollywood movie has been critically discussed in the study
with the help of argument and secondary researches from articles, box office etc. From the
discussion, it has been analysed that Indian films are about stereotypes on the basis of characters,
situations and plots. It is important for the researcher to collect secondary information to draw
findings because it assisted in developing understanding over all the aspect of Bollywood such as
empowerment, sexual harassment, portrayal etc. It outlined interview and statistic which
represented that women are still criticised and are the reason for gender disparity, dowry system,
sexual violence, From the study it has been analysed that it is important to enable different and
powerful role to women by introducing them with their own identity.
The major limitation of study was time constraints and several secondary sources which
made study scattered. In future the focus will be on conducting primary data collection which
will helps in developing understanding over the core aspect women representation in Indian
cinema. Collecting current information will help in extracting various news aspect of research
topic with regard to women presentation in individuals films. Thus, it can be concluded that
further research on Indian movie will be based on interviewing women of their society about
movies and Portrayal of women in Hindi Films
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ahmed, S.S., 2016. Kahaani and That Girl in Yellow Boots. Salaam Bollywood: Representations
and Interpretations, p.207.
Chowdhury, E.H., 2017. Politicizing the site of fashion: Conversations with designing women in
Dhaka. Fashion, Style & Popular Culture, 4(3), pp.307-323.
Ganti, T., 2013. Bollywood: a guidebook to popular Hindi cinema. Routledge.
Himabindu, B.L., Arora, R. and Prashanth, N.S., 2014. Whose problem is it anyway? Crimes
against women in India. Global health action. 7(1). p.23718.
Kapoor, H., Bhuptani, P.H. and Agneswaran, A., 2017. The Bechdel in India: gendered
depictions in contemporary Hindi cinema. Journal of Gender Studies, 26(2), pp.212-226.
Lajimodiere, D.K., 2013. American Indian females and stereotypes: Warriors, leaders, healers,
feminists; not drudges, princesses, prostitutes. Multicultural Perspectives. 15(2).
pp.104-109.
Matusitz, J. and Payano, P., 2011. The Bollywood in Indian and American perceptions: A
comparative analysis. India Quarterly. 67(1). pp.65-77.
Nair, G. and Tamang, D., 2016. Representations of rape in popular culture: Gone Girl and
Badlapur. International Feminist Journal of Politics, 18(4), pp.614-618.
Rao, S., 2010. “I need an Indian touch”: Glocalization and Bollywood Films. Journal of
International and Intercultural communication. 3(1). pp.1-19.
Rasul, A. and Raney, A.A., 2016. Learning through entertainment: The effects of Bollywood
movies on the job-seeking behavior of South Asian female. International Communication
Gazette, 78(3), pp.267-287.
Rasul, A., 2017. Between the Family and Politics: Female Politicians as Media Objects in
Bollywood Films. Society and Culture in South Asia, 3(1), pp.24-44.
Stephens, J. and Lee, S.A., 2018. Transcultural Adaptation of Feature Films: South Korea’s My
Sassy Girl and its Remakes. Adaptation, 11(1), pp.75-95.
Tere, N.S., 2012. Gender reflections in mainstream Hindi cinema. Global Media Journal. 3(1).
pp.1-9.
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Online
After analysing 4,000 films, researchers confirm that Bollywood movies are still crazy sexist.
2017. [Online]. Available through: <https://qz.com/1104106/bollywood-has-a-very-real-
gender-problem-an-analysis-of-4000-films-reveal/>.
Dear Bollywood, When Will You Cater To The Female Gaze?. 2017. [Online]. Available
through: <https://feminisminindia.com/2017/11/07/bollywood-female-gaze/>.
INTERVIEW WITH SHOMA CHATTERJI – Role of Women in Indian Cinema. 2010. [Online].
Available through: <https://oorvazifilmeducation.wordpress.com/2010/10/08/interview-
with-shoma-chatterji-role-of-women-in-indian-cinema/>.
Jain Y., 2018. Gender bias in Bollywood has now been statistically proven. [Online]. Available
through: <https://qrius.com/gender-bias-bollywood-now-statistically-proven/>.
Ki & Ka. 2018. [Online]. Available through: <https://bestoftheyear.in/movie/ki-ka/>.
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