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Bollywood has played a small role in promoting Indian women in sports through movies and can do so much more! Here's a good list to check out.
Bollywood has played a small role in promoting Indian women in sports through movies and can do so much more! Here’s a good list to check out.
Deepika Padukone has recently appeared in Nike’s ‘Da Da Ding’ ad which encourages women to bring sports into their lives. Deepika, daughter of celebrated badminton player Prakash Padukone, herself was an accomplished badminton player before she took up modelling.
Indian women have been slowly but steadily building their reputation as skilled sportsperson on the international platform and bringing medals to our country. A few well-known names include Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal and Mary Kom.
Personally I feel that our country does not give much importance to sports and the administration and management of this particular field is in shambles. As a country, we have immense passion for cricket, but even in this game the women’s team does not get the kind of exposure they should. Sports and especially women in sports are not given the kind of credence they should.
Bollywood has tried to take up this topic on several occasions and made some memorable movies on the sportswomen of our country. Let’s have a look at some of the popular ones.
An iconic movie on the national women’s Hockey team, Chak De India was a major hit when it released. The movie follows the story of Kabir Khan, a hockey player, who was branded as a traitor when he lost an important match. While grappling with his personal demons, he also takes up the mantle to coach the Indian hockey team of women.
Based on a true story, the movie shows how a ragged bunch of girls from the economically weaker strata of society unite because of their passion for sports. Each girl has her own story and her own battles yet they put their issues behind and get together to emerge as world champions.
A light hearted movie, ‘Dil Bole Hadippa’ is the story of a young woman who loves the game of cricket and is a brilliant player. However she faces gender discrimination and is not allowed to play cricket with men or apply for the men’s national team.
Later, the protagonist manages to get on the national team and even win a game. The movie asks a pertinent question, “Why shouldn’t both girls and boys get equal opportunities in sports?”
Well, this one is not strictly from Bollywood, but ‘Bend It like Beckham’ is a comedy-drama which shows a traditional Indian family in which girls are supposed to be meek and do the conventional thing, which is marrying a boy of their parents’ choice.
However, the youngest girl of the family is crazy about football much to the chagrin of her father. Breaking all barriers she manages to turn up for a national level game and wins against odds. The movie also presents a young woman’s struggles against the shackles of a society which wants to typecast her.
A biopic on the life of the Olympic medal winner, the movie traces the trials and tribulations of the young boxing champion – Mary Kom. The movie also exposes the sorry state of sports administration in our country. It displays the grim determination and courage displayed by the protagonist which makes her a winner despite various obstacles and personal tragedies. Mary Kom is an inspiration for many young athletes of our country and this movie shows the reason for it.
The story of an aspiring woman boxer and her coach, the movie is once again based on boxing. The movie talks about the politics in boxing association due to which actual talented players are not allowed to emerge. It shows the petty jealousies and mind games that are a part of international tournaments and how a true sportsperson does not let any of this derail her.
These movies have the common theme of women’s passion for sports and their battle against all odds to be able to play. The movies show what true sportsmanship is all about. Any sports require dedication and strong commitment and can help in shaping your attitude towards life. It makes you positive and ready to face any challenges. As they say, it’s not important whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.
Image Sources: Youtube and Wikipedia
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