While many Indian movies showcase women as Hero’s arm candy, we are extremely happy that some movies dared to show women as ambitious and career-oriented. In times when many women are striving hard to build their careers, these movies reflected the challenges and motivation of working women!
Here are 10 Bollywood movies on working women that are quite inspiring!
1. Gunjan Saxena
Based on the life story of Gunjan Saxena, a flight lieutenant in the Indian Air Force, this movie is quite inspiring. The movie captures the journey of a woman flying officer during the Kargil conflict in 1999.
2. Sherni
Starring Vidya Balan, this movie captures the story of a forest officer, who is tasked with capturing and containing a man-eating tigress in a remote village. However, she faces hostility from all sides as she tries to do her job.
3. Raazi
This Hindi spy thriller film is based on the story of Sehmat, an Indian spy who married a Pakistani officer. As per various reports, the film is inspired by Harinder Sikka’s novel “Calling Sehmat,” which is based on a real story!
4. Saina
The film follows the career highs and lows of the former world no 1, India’s ace shuttler, Saina Nehwal. It also pays tribute to the people who immensely contributed to her resilience and unbreakable spirit.
5. Shakuntala Devi
Starring Vidya Balan as Shakuntala Devi, this biographical drama film traces the life of mathematician Shakuntala Devi, who was also known as the “human computer”.
6. Mardaani 1 & 2
Starring Rani Mukerji as Shivani Shivaji Roy, Senior Inspector at Mumbai Crime Branch, both the movies, Mardaani 1 & 2 rightfully glorified career women. The movies revolve around uncovering massive illegal operations like child trafficking and kidnapping.
7. Panga
Starring Kangana Ranaut, the movie is about a forgotten Kabaddi world champion, who catalyzes an inner desire, to give a new meaning to her existing role as a wife and mother, and makes a comeback.
8. Tumhari Sallu
Starring Vidya Balan in a lead role, this heartwarming film is about a homemaker who turns her life around by taking up the job of a radio jockey. The story is about her passion and the encouragement she receives from her loved ones!
9. Mary Kom
Starring Priyanka Chopra, the movie is based on the real-life story of world champion Mary Kom. The story revolves around Mary Kom, a daughter of a poor rice farmer, who overcomes the objections of her father and the demands of a male-dominated society, to pursue a career in boxing.
10. Hichki
Starring Rani Mukherjee, this movie revolves around a woman dealing with Tourette Syndrome. The movie focuses on the story of Naina Mathur who, even after being qualified for the job of a teacher, keeps facing rejection due to her condition. But, rather than letting society stop her from achieving her dream of being a teacher, she fights with full determination!
Do let us know your favorite movies that broke the stereotype, and showcased women as ambitious and career-oriented!
Images are from movie stills & posters
