New Delhi: As the Indian Armed Forces break traditional boundaries by integrating women into combat roles and fighter streams, Bollywood has stepped up to showcase these powerful narratives of women in uniform. The industry has produced an array of films that not only acknowledge the presence of female officers but also highlight their stories of grit, courage, and leadership on the silver screen.
One such remarkable portrayal is by Deepika Padukone in ‘Fighter’. Taking on the role of Squadron Leader Minal Rathore, Padukone delivers a compelling performance that transcends gender stereotypes. Her character exemplifies that gender does not define talent or capabilities. While her colleagues in the forces recognize her worth, the real challenge for Minal lies in convincing her parents that when girls are given wings, they indeed can soar to great heights.
‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’ features Jhanvi Kapoor as Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena, who made history as the first Indian woman to fly in a combat zone during the Kargil War in 1999. This film is an inspiring tale of perseverance and determination, showcasing Gunjan Saxena’s journey of breaking barriers and reaching for the skies against all odds.
In ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, Kriti Kulhari brings to life the fiery character of Flight Lieutenant Seerat Kaur. Amidst the war cries and the much-famous line “How’s the josh?” bellowed by her male counterpart Major Vihaan Shergil, played by Vicky Kaushal, it is Kulhari’s portrayal that captures the audience with her strong and enduring presence.
Diana Penty assumes the role of Captain Ambalika Bandyopadhyay in ‘Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran’. Set against the backdrop of the pivotal nuclear tests conducted by India in Pokhran in 1998, the film showcases Penty standing her ground firmly in a narrative that is largely dominated by male characters.
Kangana Ranaut stars in ‘Tejas’ as Wing Commander Tejas Gill. In this portrayal, Ranaut’s character is a testament to the fighting spirit of the Indian Air Force women in combat operations. Despite ‘Tejas’ having earnest intentions, it unfortunately failed to captivate audiences with its storytelling, resulting in a less than stellar reception.
These films not only provide entertainment but also serve a larger purpose – they challenge preconceived notions and offer a salute to the real-life heroines of the Indian Armed Forces. Each role, carefully crafted and enacted, carries within it the threads of reality: the struggles, the battles fought both within and against external forces, and the triumphs of Indian female officers.
The crafting of these stories onto celluloid is a celebration of the bravery and tenacity of women in the Indian military. With each script, Bollywood has been instrumental in not only inspiring the younger generation of girls but also in paying homage to the unsung female warriors who have served the nation with unparalleled dedication.
While Bollywood continues to evolve and tell diverse stories, it is the portrayal of female strength, intelligence, and leadership in these films that leaves a lasting impact. They demonstrate that, irrespective of gender, the spirit of serving one’s country and the essence of patriotism remains universal. As these actresses don the uniform and portray officers on screen, they fortify the message that women in India’s Armed Forces are as formidable and valiant as their male counterparts, and their stories deserve a prominent place in our national narrative.
