Mumbai: At present, TV content is engulfed by the saas-bahu formula so much so that even a shape-shifting Naagin is getting married to become the ideal daughter-in-law of a joint family. In this day and age when the world is building a narrative around women empowerment and breaking the glass ceiling, our TV shows are unfortunately showing women in the regressive spotlight sobbing and shedding tears on issues that are insignificant and far from reality.
In the 2000s shows as Ladies Special and Mahi Way did come as a ray of hope but such serials were so far placed that they vanished amid the horde of sob-fest on the small screen.
But there was a time when female characters of TV shows would voice their opinion on social, political, and gender-based and many other significant issues. At present, as viewers, we are deprived of those strong-headed, ambitious and fierce women. Let's look back to those feisty and gusty female characters of the 80s and 90s that raised the bar of the female protagonist which we need now more than ever.
- Kalyani from Udaan
Udaan was probably the first Indian television show on women empowerment. Aired on Doordarshan from 1989 to 1991, Udaan was based on the real-life of Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya, country’s first female Director General of Police and the second Indian Police Service officer after Kiran Bedi. The role of Kalyani Singh was played by officer's sister Kavita Chaudhary, who also wrote and directed the show. Udaan depicts the journey of Kalyani who faces discrimination for being a girl from his grandfather but constantly supported and motivated by her father. She resolves to ditch the vulnerability and attains a significant position and voice in society as an IPS officer. Back then this show worked as an inspiration source for many young girls.
- Rajani from Rajani
Directed by Basu Chatterjee, Rajani made Priya Tendulkar a star, as a housewife who couldn't stand injustice. A half an hour show used to come on Sunday mornings. Every episode had new socio-economic issues that Rajani would fight to resolve. Problems – with school admission, telephone connection, auto-rickshaw drivers - name it and Rajani would be there with her unique way of raising voice against the odds.
- Shanti from Shanti - Ek Aurat Ki Kahani
Shanti has often referred to as one the path-breaking TV shows of that time. Mandira Bedi played the titular role of an aspiring journalist who fights for justice single-handedly and comes out victorious at the end. The show depicted a female character so strong, complex and muti-layered that handles male domination effortlessly.
- The women from Tara Tara and her gang in a still from India's first ever longest running show
Aired in 1993, Tara was about four urban women, and their friendship, ambition, love and secrets. The show starred Navneet Nishan in the lead role, along with Ratna Pathak Shah, Neha Sharad, and Amita Nangia. Back in those days, the show defined what feminism and the theme was certainly way ahead of its time. The show took off with a plan of 52 episodes, but such was the response that it ended up running for more than 500 episodes.
- Pragati from AuratMandira Bedi as Pragati from BR Chopra's production Aurat
In the TV show Aurat, Mandira Bedi played the lead role of Pragati, who went against her family to seek education after marriage to become a successful lawyer. The series shows challenges and hardships faced by women in society.
- Nisha from Kshitij Ye NahiSupriya Pilgaonkar with Tushar Dalvi in a still from Kshitij Ye Nahi
Supriya Pilgaonkar plays the protagonist Nisha, in a show named Kshitij Ye Nahi aired on Doordarshan in the early 1990s. Nisha is a young widow and a mother to 10 years old. The show deals with the sensitive issue of re-marriage of a widow and how a woman courageously breaks the meaningless rules set for her by society.
- Priya from SaansNeena Gupta with Kanwaljit Singh in a still from Saans
In the show Saans, Neena Gupta portrayed the role of Priya who finds out her husband's extra-marital affair. Priya instead of succumbing to despair and pain builds her own identity. She stood like a rock against the adversity and fought for herself. Neena Gupta was both lead and director of the show.
- Nikita and Nivedita from Aarohan
Cadet Nikita Sachdev and Nivedita Sen of Aarohan were far ahead of their times. They depicted the story of strong-willed women aspiring to join Indian Navy. The show had only 13 episodes but the impact it left on viewers was long-lasting. For the matter of the fact when the show was on air at that time women were not allowed to join combat forces in the Indian Navy. The show was written and produced by Pallavi Joshi who portrayed the role of headstrong, passionate Nikita, it also had Shefali Shah as Nivedita.
