Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
Exploring old TV classics during lockdown, I binge watched the Deepti Naval classic Thoda Saa Aasman, and realised how relevant it still is.
One of the few good side-effects of the lockdown has been discovering old gems from TV, films, and music. Doordarshan has been releasing many of its famed TV shows on Prasar Bharti Archives. Including classics like Kashish, Trishna, Aarohan, Mitti Ke Rang, and Discovery of India.
I discovered a vast treasure from the golden era of Doordarshan shows television. Offering well-written shows and meaningful entertainment. YouTube then further recommended shows from a similar era. Like Apna Apna Aasmaan, Gulzar’s Kirdar, and Deepti Naval’s Thoda Sa Aasmaan.
Thoda Sa Aasmaan, a fourteen episode series available on YouTube, hooked me in from the thumbnail image.
I’ve always admired Deepti Naval, for being a lone warrior of female-centric stories in a male-dominated industry. Right from her earlier films, she has brought to the fore independent women, in action and thought. Be it the perky Chamko soap saleswoman in Chashme Baddoor or the progressive career woman in Saath Saath and many other films of that era by Basu Chatterjee & Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Interestingly her collaboration with Sai Paranjpe, another brilliant filmmaker produced many of these gems.
One didn’t hear much of Deepti Naval apart from the odd side role in mainstream Bollywood films. I remember seeing her in the independent cinema of the noughties (Freaky Chakra, Leela). Much in the vein of a Dimple Kapadia or Shabana Azmi.
Thoda Sa Aasmaan revolves around the lives of three women in Bombay. All at different ages and stages in their life. A bubbly air hostess aspirant in Mona Ambegaonkar. A housewife at odds with her marital relationship and life choices in Deepti Naval. And, an aged housemaker faced with a shocking betrayal by her husband in Nadira.
*Spoilers Ahead
Anu has recently graduated. She longs to travel around the world and meet new people by becoming an air hostess. Her family and boyfriend don’t approve of this decision, quoting societal pressures and insecurities. Anu often also faces the ire of her boyfriend for dressing ‘inappropriately’ and ‘being outspoken and bold’. All these take a toll on her day by day and she itches to break free from these nonsensical social shackles.
Naval’s character Nashi, is at the crossroads in her life. Her ambitious husband is out almost all the time. Taken for granted and lonely, Nashi longs for true partnership and respect. She is three months pregnant with her second child. A visit from two of her college friends further makes her realize the pointlessness of her life. Of having given up on her dreams of doing something creative like theatre and poetry. The troublesome situation escalates in her life day by day. Arguments grow more intense and violent, and she calls her mother home for a few days.
When even her own mother can’t relate to her problems, she decides to walk out on this hurtful married life. And, abort her second child. She meets Mrs Joshi in the middle of these events, who has also invited Anu, the young air hostess aspirant. Together they create their own little world.
A serial made over two decades ago, seemed as relevant today. I liked it so much I ended up ‘binge-watching’ the Doordarshan show. Everything was top notch. The writing (leads and side characters) to a realistic suburban upper-middle-class Bombay setting, to the music and technical department.
The actors light up these roles and you can relate to them and their struggles. It is astounding to think that such good content was made in the 90s. It would even put the present-day Netflix ‘feminist’ shows to shame.
It felt like Naval has put her soul in these characters. Women across age groups, occupations, and social strata facing the wrath of a jealous male-dominated world. And, fighting for their little piece of the sky.
Most inspiring was the aged Mrs Joshi’s character played brilliantly by Nadira. She confronts the soul-stirring life choice of leaving her husband of 40 years, Shriram Lagoo.
At times the stories feel slow, and not ‘entertaining’ in the classic TV show sense. But it is to Deepti Naval’s writing prowess that she takes these stories ahead, in a progressive style.
The characters confront their near and dear ones. And the burden of social expectations to carve out a world that does not compromise. A world which they can call their own, and that it is never too late to start on the long road ahead called life.
Thoda Sa Aasman – Art Seema Misra
Seema Misra is an independent artist and writer. She undertakes freelance projects for illustrations, content creation, and social media marketing through her blog www.lonelycanopy.com. To unwind, she watches world cinema or travels across read more...
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
14 years after her last feature film Dhobi Ghat, storyteller extraordinaire comes up with her new film, Laapataa Ladies, a must watch.
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
Please enter your email address