International Women’s Day 2024 stands as a testament to the evolving representation of women in cinema, marking a stark contrast to past decades. A clear embodiment of this transformation is seen in the fearless return of 90s Bollywood heroines, who are now shattering the molds of typecasting with an array of dynamic and influential roles.
Among the vanguard of this renaissance is Karisma Kapoor, an actor whose name became synonymous with box office triumphs throughout the 90s. Presently on the cusp of her latest venture—a Netflix film titled ‘Murder Mubarak’—Kapoor stole the spotlight at the trailer launch with her enigmatic portrayal of an actress. Notably cautious about the frequency and nature of her roles, Kapoor articulated a sentiment shared by her contemporaries: “I do selective work out of choice. I like doing that and I am comfortable with that. I like to sail at my own pace. I am lucky and thankful that I am in a position where I can say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to work.”
This resurgence isn’t merely incidental. Previously, a prevailing industry myth pegged the expiry of an actress’s leading role viability at the age of 40—an unspoken rule from which their male counterparts were seemingly immune. Despite aging, stars such as Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Saif Ali Khan perpetuated their screen dominance unabated. In contrast, their female peers often saw their careers wane as fresher faces emerged.
Catalyzed in part by worldwide content, evolving viewer preferences, and spearheaded by the advent of OTT platforms, the narrative took a sharp turn. 90s heroines are making a striking comeback, unveiling cinematic personas that transcend the archetype of a damsel in distress rescued by a hero. Instead, they have become the heroes of their own stories, garnering adoration from the audience for their self-reliant characters.
Sushmita Sen, the former Miss Universe turned actress, heralded her return on the digital scene with ‘Aarya’, a gripping revenge drama where she assumes a formidable avatar. Pushing the envelope further, Sen’s enactment of a transgender person in the series ‘Taali’ is another testament to her daring and critically acclaimed performances.
Raveena Tandon, another luminary of the decade, has evolved from being celebrated for her romantic and comedic roles to demonstrating her range through intense dramas such as ‘Aranyak’ and ‘Karmma Calling’. Not only has she exhibited her versatility, but she also featured in the blockbuster ‘KGF 2’, as a prominent powerful figure. While Tandon remains seemingly untouched by time, her choice of challenging roles reflects substantial artistic growth.
The celebrated Kajol, too, has taken a plunge into a spectrum of challenging and unconventional roles, showcasing her adaptability and compelling on-screen energy which have been her hallmark since films like ‘Baazigar’ and ‘DDLJ’.
Bhagyashree, hailed for her portrayal as the delicate Suman in ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, astonished audiences with her comeback performance as an antagonist, shedding her quintessential girl-next-door image. Similarly, the evergreen Madhuri Dixit, known for her impeccable acting chops and dancing prowess in the 80s and 90s, continues to push boundaries and captivate viewers.
Even Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who debuted in the 90s, has not shied away from experimenting with an assortment of genres in her second innings, leaving an indelible mark in the world of cinema through comedy, drama, and action roles.
As the film industry continues to evolve, the reemergence of these formidable women not only heralds a new age of storytelling that celebrates the myriad facets of womanhood but also serves as a beacon of inspiration, proving that talent, indeed, knows no age. International Women’s Day 2024 personifies this change—with leading ladies who once ruled the box office returning not just to reclaim their thrones, but to redefine them entirely.
