Entertainment /
From 1950s To 2000s: A Comparison Of Gender Roles Through Bollywood
The 1955 Good House Wife's Guide reveals the set of rules followed by couples and families back in the day. We show you six examples from Indian cinema that make us wonder about the many interesting and evolving lifestyle trends over time.
1. Cooking
Then: Cooking was part of woman's work portfolio. The old proverb "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" explains the emphasis on women to prepare food. The clip from 1950s film Dilruba shows a pleased Dev Anand at the prospect of Rehana cooking for him.
Now: There are no set rules on who cooks. Men cooking for women is as romantic as vice versa. Watch Ranbir Kapoor prepare food and set up the place for Konkana Sen Sharma in the film Wake Up Sid.
2. Dressing Up
Then: Women would dress to look good to earn a man's love. His happiness came before hers and to achieve that was her sole focus. This yesteryear song from film Saudagar embodies the sentiment quite well with the lyrics, "Sajna hai mujhe sajna ke liye."
Now: The modern woman lives for herself instead of vying for a man's approval. Katrina Kaif plays Sheila, asserting "Kisi aur ki mujh ko zaroorat kya, mei to khud se pyar jataoon."
3. Doing House Chores
Then: The man was strict with the woman regarding tidiness and order in the house. Though in jest, Sanjeev Kumar conveys the housewife's responsibilities to Vidya Sinha, as was the precedent once.
Now: Clutter is always going to be a problem. The modern man does not appear to share the same priorities though. Watch this domestic bickering between Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji from the film Chalte Chalte.
4. Being Single
Then: Women did not fancy being single and eagerly wished for a man to be with them for good. The song lyrics "Saiyan dil mei aana re, Aa ke phir na jana re" signify the depth of desire and insecurity felt by women.
Now: The independent woman is here. The song picturised on Kangana Ranaut in the film Queen imparts the idea of being a whole in oneself, "Khud hi to hain hum kinare."
5. Having A Profession
Then: Women did not pursue a profession and when they did, it was often not on equal footing. In the clip from film Abhimaan, Jaya Bahaduri demonstrates the spirit of sacrifice to pacify her husband, who she can sense is insecure because of her growing success.
Now: Women of today are equally inclined to have a career as men. Preity ZInta is vocal and does not let her achievements slide in the film Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, a sharp contrast to Jaya's demure personality.
6. Looking After Children
Then: Mothers were fully in charge of looking after children. Take a look at this tribute to a mother, played by Nirupa Roy.
Now: Fathers can also be the caretakers. Enjoy the delightful song "Oh I Love You Daddy" from the film Akele Hum Akele Tum where Aamir Khan plays the single dad after separating from his wife.
What do you think of the diverse gender roles in today's society? Share your comments below.
Main Image Photo Credit (L-R): www.huffingtonpost.com and www.dailymail.co.uk
Sonia Malik
Author
Sonia writes on current affairs and pop culture. An English graduate from the University of Toronto, she identifies as a global citizen, feminist and nature lover. She will be ready to shake a leg to a peppy Bollywood beat any day.
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
How PBS Series 'Renegades' Celebrates American History's Most Badass Disabled Changemakers
-
14 Bollywood Remakes Vs. Their Hollywood Originals - Who Did It Better?
-
Catch Pakistan's 1st Ever Hand-Drawn Animated Film 'The Glassworker' & Other South Asian Films At Reel Asian Festival
-
World Mental Health Day: How Bollywood Has Used Its Power Of Storytelling To Address Mental Health Stigmas
-
Highlights Of Archie Panjabi, Neeru Bajwa & Iman Vellani At iSAFF2024
-
3x Emmy-Nominated Television Host & Producer Rasha Goel Launches New Podcast "Beyond the Glam" - Premiering Today!
-
Does Bollywood Accurately Portray Financial Struggles of India's Working Class?
-
Canada’s International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF) Triumphantly Unveils Its Thrilling 2024 Lineup!
-
TIFF 2024: Our Chat With Writer-Director-Star Srinivas Krishna On The 4K Restoration Of His Hidden Canadian Classic ‘Masala’
-
TIFF 2024: First-Time Filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi Dishes On ‘Boong,’ Her Funny & Profound Modern-Day Folk Tale Told From A Child's Point Of View
-
Nepotism Or Repetitive Content - What's Causing Bollywood's Slump Versus Punjabi & South Indian Cinema's Surge
-
Must-Watch Patriotic Films From India & Pakistan For Your Independence Day Celebrations
-
Villainous Vixens: How Bollywood's Leading Ladies Are Redefining Cinema's Most Memorable Antagonists
-
'Girls Will Be Girls' Wins Big At The 2024 Indian Film Festival Of Los Angeles (IFFLA)
-
OTT Revolution: How Streaming Platforms Are Transforming Indian Cinema
-
A Train Bloodbath With A 90% On Rotten Tomatoes - Why You Should Watch TIFF-Acclaimed Indian Action Flick 'Kill'
-
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) Celebrates Its 22nd Edition June 27-30 With An Incredible Lineup Of 21 Films
-
Pride Month & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Representation in South Asian Cinema
-
From Stoic Protectors to Emotional Anchors: A Father’s Day Tribute Through Hindi Cinema
-
Exploring South Asian Intergenerational Sacrifice With 'The Wrong Bashir', Now Playing In Toronto
-
Bollywood & Beyond: Must-Watch Films for Vibrant Insight Into Muslim Cultures
-
Over 50 Films From 9 Countries At The Eclectic South Asian Film Festival Montreal (May 24 - June 3)
-
Mother's Day Special: How Bollywood & Hollywood Super Moms Show Us Women Can Have It All!
-
Emerging Talents and Established Icons: Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with Us!
-
Revealing Truths: South Asian Cinema's Contribution to Earth Day Awareness
-
Review: Monkey Man - Dev Patel Sets the Screen Ablaze with Electrifying Action
-
Exclusive Q&A With Diljit Dosanjh on the Dil-Luminati Tour and the Exciting Simplii Collaboration!
-
12 South Asian Female Artists Who Are Changing Hollywood's Landscape
-
Transitional Representation of South Asian Women in The World of Entertainment
-
Hot February 2024 Films From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
How Jesse "Punjabi Timbit" Singh Explores Emotional Healing Through His Comedy
-
Rukus Avenue Radio, The World's #1 South Asian Radio Station, Joins The iHeartRadio App
-
From Silent Frames To Global Fame: Key Moments That Shaped Bollywood
-
Hot January 2024 Films From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
Kerala Actor Santhy Balachandran Celebrates Her Three Incredible Releases In 2023
-
Hot December 2023 Films From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
The Real Reason Why Bollywood Directors Love English In Their Titles
-
Diwali Dance Fest Makes History at Walt Disney World® Resort!
-
TIFF 2023: Deepa Mehta and Sirat Taneja Share Why 'I Am Sirat’ Is The Transgender Story To Be Told
-
The International South Asian Film Festival 2023 (iSAFF) Wraps With A Celebration Of Outstanding Global South Asian Pathbreakers
-
TIFF 2023: 'We Grown Now' Director Minhal Baig Shares With Us Why Neighbourhood Stories Should Be Told
-
Event Alert: BMO International Film Festival Of South Asia Toronto (IFFSA) Is Every Filmi Lover's Dream
-
TIFF 2023: ‘The Queen of My Dreams’ Reigns Over TIFF With Style, Wit And Heart
-
The 21st Indian Film Festival Of Los Angeles (IFFLA) Returns With A Bang!
-
Brendan D'Souza Will Never Cheat On Their One True Love (Stand Up!)
-
Event Alert: South Asian Global Cinema Takes Centre Stage At The International South Asian Film Festival
-
Diwali Comes Alive At Walt Disney World With The First Ever Diwali Dance Fest
-
TIFF 2023: 11 South Asian Films Coming To The Toronto International Film Festival
-
Hot September 2023 Films From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
Singers Karan Aujla & Jonita Gandhi Sign On To Warner Music Canada/India's Label '91 North Records'
-
4 Ways Alia Bhatt Steals The Show In The Hot Netflix Film "Heart Of Stone"
-
Priyanka And Nick Jonas Get Ready For The Jonas Brothers' Tour At Yankee Stadium!
-
Hot August 2023 Films From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
5 Reasons Why You Should Watch “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”
-
JFL Exclusive: How Comedian Zarna Garg Showed Kevin Hart That Brown Women Can Be Funny Too
-
JFL Exclusive: Award-Winning Podcast Comedian Maddy Kelly Is The Next Gen Star
-
Hot July 2023 Films From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
Event Alert: “Mughal-E-Azam: The Musical" Kicks Off Canadian Tour With Upcoming Toronto Stop
-
#ANOKHI20: The ANOKHI Emerald Ball Was The Perfect Grand Finale To ANOKHI’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations
-
Pride 2023: 10 Bollywood Films That Honour Our Desi LGBTQIA+ Family