Lipstick Under My Burkha

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• Nuwan Anuradha 2024-08-14 13:32:20

  "Lipstick Under My Burkha" is a 2016 Indian black comedy-drama film directed by Alankrita Shrivastava. The film is an unflinching portrayal of the lives of four women living in a conservative society, where their dreams, desires, and freedoms are constantly suppressed by patriarchal norms. With its bold narrative and unapologetic exploration of female sexuality and autonomy, the film sparked conversations and controversy, ultimately being celebrated as a significant work in Indian cinema.
  The story is set in Bhopal, a small town in India, and revolves around four women from different walks of life, each struggling to break free from the societal constraints that bind them. These women—Usha, Shirin, Leela, and Rehana—are depicted as ordinary individuals who harbor extraordinary dreams, desires, and ambitions, all of which they are forced to keep hidden beneath the veil of societal expectations.
  Usha Parmar, played by Ratna Pathak Shah, is a 55-year-old widow who is known as "Buaji" to everyone around her. Beneath her exterior as a pious and respectable elder lies a woman yearning for passion and romance. She secretly indulges in erotic novels and finds herself drawn to a much younger swimming coach, awakening desires she has long suppressed. Her story is a poignant exploration of the loneliness and unfulfilled needs that older women often face, challenging the stereotype that such desires fade with age.
  Shirin Aslam, portrayed by Konkona Sen Sharma, is a mother of three and a skilled saleswoman, but her talents and hard work are overshadowed by her abusive and unappreciative husband. Shirin juggles her domestic responsibilities with a secret job, as her husband forbids her from working. Her story highlights the struggles of many women who are trapped in oppressive marriages, forced to hide their capabilities and ambitions, and live in the shadow of their husbands. Aahana Kumra plays Leela, a young and ambitious beautician who dreams of starting her own business. Leela is engaged to a man chosen by her family, but she is passionately in love with her photographer boyfriend, with whom she plans to escape and build a new life. Her story explores the conflict between duty and desire, the pressure to conform to societal norms, and the yearning for independence and self-expression.
  Rehana Abidi, played by Plabita Borthakur, is a college student who dreams of becoming a singer like Miley Cyrus. She struggles with the conservative restrictions imposed by her Muslim family, who expect her to adhere to traditional values. Rehana rebels by stealing lipstick, wearing jeans, and sneaking out to sing at bars, all while hiding her true identity from her family. Her story is a portrayal of the generational conflict and the quest for self-identity in a world that often denies young women the freedom to explore their aspirations.
  The film's title, "Lipstick Under My Burkha," is symbolic of the hidden desires and suppressed identities of these women. The lipstick represents their defiance and their yearning to express themselves, while the burkha symbolizes the societal expectations and restrictions that confine them. The film's narrative is bold and unapologetic, using humor, irony, and stark realism to depict the double lives that these women lead. One of the strengths of "Lipstick Under My Burkha" is its ability to address taboo subjects, such as female sexuality, marital rape, and the pursuit of individual freedom, in a society that often shuns open discussions on such topics. The film does not shy away from showing the raw and often harsh realities faced by women, making it a powerful commentary on gender inequality and the societal pressures that stifle women's voices.
  The performances by the lead actors are exceptional, with each bringing depth and nuance to their characters. Ratna Pathak Shah and Konkona Sen Sharma, in particular, deliver standout performances that capture the complexities of their characters' lives. The supporting cast also adds to the film's authenticity, portraying the various figures who embody the societal norms and expectations that the protagonists are struggling against.
  "Lipstick Under My Burkha" also garnered attention for the controversy surrounding its release. The film was initially denied certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India, citing its "lady-oriented" themes and "sexual scenes." However, after much debate and public support, the film was eventually released, and it went on to receive critical acclaim for its fearless storytelling and its contribution to the discourse on women's rights and gender equality.
  In conclusion, "Lipstick Under My Burkha" (2016) is a groundbreaking film that challenges societal norms and gives a voice to the often silenced desires and struggles of women. Through its engaging narrative, strong performances, and bold exploration of taboo topics, the film serves as a powerful statement on the need for gender equality and the importance of personal freedom. It remains a significant work in contemporary Indian cinema, resonating with audiences both in India and around the world.

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