Paper Contents
Abstract
This study examines the representation of traditional and contemporary women in renowned Indian filmmaker Balu Mahendra who is known for his nuanced portrayals of characters Highlighting the evolution of female roles in Indian cinema ), "Moondram Pirai" (1982), 1982; "Veedu" (1988 ), and "Sathililavati" (1995)... divide traditional and contemporary female characters and examine the importance of their narrative roles.Research shows that Mahendra's depictions of traditional women often incorporate traditional family values, showing their struggles with social expectations and family duties For example, in "Veedu" the heroine stands still for the challenges faced by a traditional woman related to social and family pressures. On the contrary, her films portray modern women, like the character in "Sati Lilavati," as independent and career-oriented, often at odds with traditional normsIn Mahendra's careful style, traditional women are given depth and preference rather than mere stereotypes, reflecting her empathy and understanding of their struggles Modern women face challenges in their modernity reconciling identity and societal expectations while incorporating freedom. This balanced portrayal highlights the resilience and strength of these characters and sheds light on the evolving roles of women in Indian society.The study concludes that Balu Mahendra's films offer a rich tapestry of female representation, a significant contribution to the discourse on gender representation in Indian cinema his work reflects social change, change changing the landscape of gender roles, emphasizes the importance of cinema in understanding the role of cultural and social change research emphasizes.
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