Representation Of Women In Hindi Serials
Hindi serials are mainly regressive and repetitive,where mostly the main story revolves around a hugely suffering female lead who gets justice at the end. The popular concept in our society,that women are ill treated at her in-laws is basically replicated in shows which use certain stereotypical formulas such as tears,pity,wickedness etc. Despite its misery and unrealistic depiction of societal conditions,people are still drawn towards it,as it is a non realistic way of gaining pleasure,which one can’t achieve but can relate to. Hindi soaps focus on archetypes, various societal issues and taboos which dictate how we judge people in our society and their roles.
Story writers use our popular culture to make an impression on the minds of the audience,serials being the modern version of story telling via depiction. In case of India,the content of the hindi serials are very important as people’s lives are highly influenced by the socio cultural values,but these are portrayed negatively in most serials. Women always dominate the plot in terms of casting and storyline centre whereas,though men are shown as superior and dominating in the story,they are merely present to carry the storyline forward.
There are stereotypical and traditional characters of desirable and undesirable men and women,influencing the concept of ‘gendered’ roles. Women are shown to prioritize her family interest above everything else,maintain her dignity yet keep her down down and face the humiliation without taking stand for her ownself which will show her character strength. Such portrayal sends out a wrong message that women are supposed to be meek and submissive. Women are mainly divided into good Indian women i. e. ‘bahus’ and the negative women i. e. ‘vamps’. The former are devoted to their husbands,ideal home maker,takes care of everyone,good at heart,doesn’t argue and the later are always decked up iin heavy makeup,jewellery,outspoken,selfish and cannot see anyone happy. Vamps are an integral part of daily soaps, as they are the main entertainers,plot twisters and sometimes their promising acting also gains public support. This is how popular culture attracts people even when they know these are fantasies and negative characters.
Women conspiring against each other as shown in serials is a very old technique of entertainment,due to which our popular culture has a notion that women are each other’s biggest enemies. Soaps show that even if women are financially independent,they won’t still be given due respect and equality,despite all attempts. Patriarchy is strongly reinforced and women are supposed to stay within the four walls,which is not acceptable in reality, but people are made to believe this in soaps. Women has to face many more genuine troubles in her life,like rape,molestation,work place inequality, her workload between home and work, on which hindi soaps should start focussing on.
