Most Bollywood films have a stereotypical depiction of women, but there are a handful that focus on women's lives and send empowering messages that are much needed in our society. Here’re my most loved impactful and relatable ‘Yasss Queen’ moments from Bollywood movies. Go watch them with your girl gang to feel on top of the world!
Chak De! India
That thrilling finale of India vs Australia has a very beautiful moment between Preeti and Komal. These two were always shown at loggerheads but the night before the finale they argued about who would score the most goals. Preeti states the reason for playing tough till now was not to bring Komal’s ego down but that of her demeaning boyfriend’s. At the finale, Komal had a chance to score for herself but she passed that ball to Preeti saying “Jaa, dikha de us launde ko'' and Preeti scored the final goal and in return Preeti let Komal strike a penalty for her.
If this isn't the power of female friendships, what is?
English Vinglish
Didn’t you feel so proud when Shashi delivered that wholesome, heartwarming speech in English in the end and left everybody in Wow? She proves that you can always put the naysayers (in this case her own husband and kids) aside and rediscover yourself at any stage of your life.
“Sometimes in a marriage, we don’t even know how the other person feels, so how will they help one another? that is the time you have to help yourself, nobody can help you better than you, do this and you will come back feeling equal.”
Queen
Other than the fact that this movie gives us major solo travel goals, this movie clears the air on how a marriage is not the end-all of life. Heartbroken, timid Rani comes back from her solo honeymoon trip to Europe happy, strong, and independent.
She returns her engagement ring to her ex-fiance and smiles all the way back to her home. Rani’s journey is a message that we don’t need people who put us down. You need to keep walking ahead with your head up!
Dil Dhadakne Do
When Ayesha, Sunny and Manav are talking about achieving gender equality and changing times, Manav flaunts proudly the fact that he “allowed” Ayesha to run her own business and Sunny, comes back with a savage yet eye-opening comeback, “But usse tumhari permission ki zaroorat kyu he? Tum jab kisi ko allow karte ho tum apne aap ko ek authority ki position me dalte ho aur ye barabari nai hui.” This scene in a subtle way highlights the hypocrisy and gender inequality present in our society.
Thappad
“Just a slap but, nahi mar sakta”. This short yet powerful moment in the movie stands for women everywhere, including myself and speaks “enough is enough”. In a time when we have movies justifying violence as an expression of love, this movie serves as a reminder to all women to stand against unfair practices that have been ‘normalized’ by our patriarchal society.
Bollywood has begun to produce more films like these, and I am really excited to shout “Yass Queen” in more empowering moments to come.