Female Writers who have changed the portrayal of women in Bollywood and why do we need more of them

Bollywood has always cast female roles in the shadow of the leading man by mainly portraying them as the hero’s love interest with zero agency of their own. For decades, Hindi Cinema, majorly churned out content that kept female roles in just two buckets. One being that of ”sati-savitri” and another of a conniving “vamp”, and the difference between them was made evident with their appearances and ideologies.

However, with the dawn of 21st century, things begun to change, albeit at a slow pace. The evolving societal norms, the movement of Feminism, and a growing demand for female representation changed the landscape of not just the storytelling but how the female characters were shown on screen. The shift can also be attributed to the fact that women started to take charge behind the camera.

Female writers and directors are exploring a wider range of narratives that showcase women as independent, strong-willed, and complex individuals with their own dreams, aspirations, and challenges.

There is a need for more nuanced and empowering female characters that can only come with the lens of a woman as they bring unique perspectives and life experiences to their storytelling, enriching narratives with diverse viewpoints and insights into women's lives and issues.

While female characters in older Bollywood films often conformed to traditional stereotypes and were primarily depicted as love interests or damsels in distress.

Here’s a look on some female writers who are changing the narratives of women on screen:

Alankrita Srivastava: Known for her bold and unconventional storytelling, she is a filmmaker and writer who explores themes of female sexuality, empowerment, and societal norms in her work.

She gained critical acclaim for her film "Lipstick Under My Burkha," which challenges patriarchal norms and censorship in Indian society. Srivastava's narratives often feature complex female characters and highlight the struggles and aspirations of women in modern India.

Meghna Gulzar: Meghna Gulzar is a renowned filmmaker and writer known for her poignant storytelling and focus on real-life events and characters. She has tackled sensitive subjects such as terrorism, espionage, and social injustice in films like "Raazi" and "Talvar," which are based on true events. Gulzar's ability to blend fact with fiction and present nuanced perspectives on complex issues has earned her widespread acclaim and recognition.

Reema Kagti: Reema Kagti is a screenwriter and director known for her versatility and ability to craft compelling narratives across different genres. She has written and directed films like "Talaash" and "Gold," which offer unique perspectives on crime thrillers and historical dramas, respectively. Kagti's storytelling often delves into human emotions and relationships, adding depth and authenticity to her characters and plots.

Kanika Dhillon: Kanika Dhillon is a screenwriter and author known for her ability to create layered and multi-dimensional characters in her stories. She has written screenplays for films like "Manmarziyaan," "Kedarnath," and "Judgementall Hai Kya," which explore themes of love, identity, and mental health. Dhillon's writing is marked by its unpredictability and exploration of the human psyche, challenging audiences to confront their perceptions and biases.

Juhi Chaturvedi: Juhi Chaturvedi is a celebrated screenwriter known for her collaborations with filmmaker Shoojit Sircar and her ability to infuse humor and social commentary into her scripts. She has penned scripts for films like "Vicky Donor," "Piku," and "Gulabo Sitabo," which tackle societal taboos and family dynamics with wit and warmth. Chaturvedi's writing resonates with audiences for its relatable characters, sharp dialogue, and insightful observations on life and relationships.

Gauri Shinde: Gauri Shinde is a filmmaker and writer known for her realistic portrayal of everyday life and her focus on female protagonists. She gained acclaim for her directorial debut "English Vinglish," which explores themes of self-discovery and empowerment through the journey of a middle-aged woman. Shinde's storytelling is characterized by its simplicity and authenticity, capturing the nuances of human emotions and relationships with subtlety and grace.

Kamna Chandra: Kamna Chandra is a veteran screenwriter known for her contributions to classic Hindi cinema and her ability to craft timeless love stories.

She is best known for writing the screenplay for iconic films like "Silsila" and "Prem Rog," which have left a lasting impact on Indian audiences. Chandra's writing often revolves around themes of love, sacrifice, and societal norms, exploring the complexities of human relationships with sensitivity and depth.

 For centuries, men have dictated women’s lives in all aspects and they are the ones who have been telling our stories. It’s high time that we give chance to more women to take charge of this narrative as it plays a crucial role in representing the voices and experiences of women in storytelling. 

Female-written stories challenge stereotypes and often empower women by showcasing their strengths, struggles, and triumphs. These narratives inspire and uplift female audiences, fostering a sense of empowerment and solidarity.

Overall, the contribution of female writers is essential for creating a more inclusive, representative, and empathetic storytelling landscape that reflects the diversity of human experiences.

More power to women!