Women instrumental in sparking controversies in 70’s-80’s of Bollywood?
In Bollywood, the era of 70’s-80’s once again proved the influence of the female gender in brewing up of a controversy. Though not literally but the controversial cinema in that era thrived on brilliant performances by the leading ladies. There were films with the common man effect and special storylines that had the female figure playing the pivotal role in most of them.
From great showmen like Raj Kapoor, Yash Chopra to celebrated film-makers like Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Gulzar, everyone used their actresses to full justice. The art of enhancing the beauty of the female form definitely fetches well anyway! In 1970, one of the finest films of Bollywood which was then a failure portrayed women as the sole inspiration and object of desire. Raj Kapoor’s highly acclaimed ‘Mera Naam Joker’ despite its early debacle scored high with the critics. Another great film-maker, Kamal Amrohi decided to base the story of his successful film ‘Pakeezah’ on the chronicles of a prostitute. Woman again!
Moving on, the 70’s showcased the talent of female artists in many memorable films. One of the finest actresses was Jaya Bhaduri who gave mega performances in films like Gulzar’s Koshish, Hrishikiesh Mukherjee’s Abhimaan etc. The span of two decades also witnessed films which gave more prominence to the female character. Controversial cinema in one of its very significant roles brought the power of female screen presence to full bloom with the backing of well-scripted roles and the meatier ones at that.