Star Power of Female Actors Through the Decades in Hindi Movies

Hindi Films heavily influenced my growing-up years. From music, style, fashion, stars, and beautiful locales to unforgettable characters, we, 80s and 90s kids, were mesmerised by Bollywood. So, when Manali and Sukaina introduced September's Every Conversation Matters topic as Bollywood, my first reaction was "Dhamaka." And when you are given a topic that is close to your heart, the confusion of an overthinker begins. So while I started writing yesterday about the evolving influence of Bollywood on fashion and trends, today my interest has shifted to the Hindi films I go back to again and again and the reasons for it. The 80s were when I was very young, and I had no say in selecting a film to watch. It was mostly through music and cassette players that we, kids of that generation, were introduced to new films and their stars, but right now I am thinking about writing about the female stars whose star power has been tremendous in drawing audiences to theatres.

I still remember our weekly wait to catch a glimpse of Amir Khan and Juhi Chawla, humming along to "Akele Hai To Kya Gham Hai" from “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak” every Wednesday on Chitrahar. Or Madhuri Dixit’s unforgettable footsteps in “Ek Do Tin” from Tezaab, shown in Rangoli, on Sundays. Or even sneaking into the discarded glossy movie magazines to get a look at those gorgeous stars like Rekha, Jaya Prada, Dimple Kapadia, and Sridevi, in awe of their charisma and style, flaunting permed hair and shiny, baggy shirts with snake-themed chunky jewellery.

Sridevi and the 80s

Frankly, in our childhood, Sridevi was such a star who single-handedly set the trend for white in Hindi movies. Be it her ancient Indian architecture-inspired costumes in the song “Naino me Sapna” from Himmatwala, to Lehenga in Nagina, to the white shirt in Chalbaaz and the famous white chiffon sarees in Chandni, she was the epitome of fashion influence those days. Not to forget, she was one of the very few actresses of her time who could carry a whole movie on her shoulders, with her unparalleled star power. I am talking about the 80s, when mainstream Hindi films were ruled by a male-dominated star cast, with the heroines mostly playing a mere role as partners in the hero’s life. But she broke that very pattern and started ruling the movies, despite who she was cast opposite. She remained the Star of the movie.

Madhuri and the Early 90s

The beginning of her journey was paved with starring opposite action stars of the time, who took all the credit for the movie. But a born star can never be hidden, and in between her minuscule roles and impeccable dance, she made a name for herself in the cine-goers’ hearts. Then came along a substantial role of a powerful woman in the film Beta. Given the right opportunity, beyond shaking their legs or being the woman in distress, in desperate need of being saved by a hero, our female stars have equal capability to run their own show. All they need is a meaningful role. Madhuri Dixit is a glaring example. Her equal screen presence in the romantic drama Dil, opposite Amir Khan, led to her bagging the meaty “almost everything” role in the very misleadingly titled movie Beta. After watching the film, everyone thought a perfect title would have been Bahu, so was her commanding presence in every frame. And then came Hum Apke Hai Kaun, Anjaam, Raja, Dil To Pagal Hai, Mrityudand, Devdas and Lajja. The undisputed star of the 90s, who we were smitten by, The Madhuri Dixit ruled the screens.

Karisma Kapoor and the Late 90s

Hailing from the mightiest family of Bollywood, one can expect a dream launch for Karisma Kapoor. Nothing of that sort happened with her. She was launched in a highly forgettable movie, Prem Qaidi, with another newcomer. But how she then made her way to rule the late '90s is an example of “no work is small”. She went on to star in multiple films with one of the most popular actors of that time, Govinda. A hit machine amongst the masses, their on-screen chemistry made them famous, and people enjoyed watching them groove to some chart-busting numbers. Karishma, as an actor, did not have to do much, other than brush up on her dancing skills, to match her highly energetic co-star. And then came Raja Hindustani, in which she poured her heart as an actress. With such a powerful lineage, she could never have gone wrong in that department. She might have breathed acting while growing up. She also upgraded her styling to something that the then-young audiences would relate to. India was becoming globalised by then. The urban population embraced Western trends and fashion. Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, the Spice Girls, and Christina Aguilera were considered the fashion Goddesses of their time. She took that bold step of redefining Bollywood fashion into something very chic and urban. Mini skirts, low-rise jeans, schoolgirl ponytails, and trendy sportswear became mainstream fashion statements, alongside movies like Dil To Pagal Hai, Hero No. 1, and Judwaa. And then came the major breakthrough- the career-defining roles that she deserved. We got to watch her in movies like Zubeidaa, Fiza, and Biwi No. 1, and see how she dominated in those roles.

Rani Mukherji and the Early 2000s

Also hailing from a powerful Filmy family, Rani’s career started with roles in movies like Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat and Mehendi. To date, I cannot differentiate between these two movies, as both look very similar in their presentation and stories. What stood out in those movies was the actress Rani Mukherji, a young star in the making. And there was no looking back- Ghulam with Amir Khan, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. It was interesting that, despite the presence of the already-hit SRK-Kajol pair, she made a lasting impact in the movie, even though she was there almost as a guest appearance. Power-packed roles followed these in Sathiyaa, Hum Tum, Veer Zara, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Bunty Aur Babli, Black, Ta Ra Ram Pam, and No One Killed Jessica. One after another, she came, gave her best, and conquered millions of hearts as a Queen. As an actor, she has always experimented with and redefined herself by playing unconventional roles, proving herself again and again. She continues to do that, and irrespective of the movie’s run at the BO, her powerful presence and dedication can never be ignored.

     Kareena Kapoor Khan and the Late 2000s

I still get confused about her debut film; was it Refugee with Abhishek Bachchan or Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai with Tusshar Kapoor? However, both were unsuccessful ventures, and even a very anticipated role of the female lead in Khushi with Fardeen Khan bombed at the Box Office. While people were almost brushing her off as another pretty face, she started taking an interesting path, of taking roles in multi-starrers of Big Banners. Thus came Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, alongside Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amitabh Bachchan, and Jaya Bachchan. This followed a few thrillers like Ajnabee and Aitraaz, again both multi-starrers. After some unforgettable films, the audience saw her serious persona in movies like Chameli and Dev. She shed her glamorous persona to mark a niche for herself, and the audience noticed her. Thus came Jab We Met, a film that will always stay in the audience’s mind for the characters, just like a book. And there was no looking back; we got her best in films like Omkara, 3 Idiots, Bodyguard, Singham, Heroine and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. She is a star who can make a character live through her, as with Poo and Geet.

Deepika Padukone and the 2010s

If someone talks about a dream debut, the one name that comes to mind is that of Deepika Padukone. Playing the leading female lead with the biggest superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, in Om Shanti Om, one can only dream about it. But she lived the dream. Not to forget, she had already made a name for herself in the modelling world and was the daughter of a legendary sports personality. However, her beauty, charm and confidence helped her gain good movies and roles. So we got to watch her in Bachna Ae Haseeno and Love Aaj Kaal. After a period of some unsuccessful ventures, she returned stronger, and we got some unforgettable roles from her in films like Ye Jawani Hai Deewani, Bajirao Mastani, Ramleela, Piku, Padmaavat, Chennai Express and Chhapaak. Not only did she exude grace and beauty, but her impeccable fashion sense also reached its pinnacle alongside her acting evolution.

 

In the 2020s, we are seeing many talented actresses make their mark in movies. Some of the female actors I have liked watching on screen are Kriti Sanon, Tripti Dimri, Taapsee Pannu, Alia Bhatt and Yami Gautam. I have not been watching many Hindi movies recently, so it would be unfair to talk about the powerful performances our leading female actors have been delivering. I am sure they are still amazing, as they have always been. 

This post is a part of #Passthepopcornbloghop hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed and sponsored by Jaico Publishing House  under #Everyconversationmatters Blog Hop Series

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge with theme word  Star