The days when women's roles in TV serials were limited to playing the love interest, the doting bahu, or the tyrant mother-in-law are long gone. As society evolved, financial independence and decision-making autonomy became central to women's lives, and television storytelling transformed accordingly. Today, a woman's role in a TV serial is crafted with modern times in mind. Whether it is Mini urging her mother to give love a second chance in Patiala Babes, or Anvita being the breadwinner in Itti Si Khushi, women on television are no longer damsels in distress waiting to be rescued. Here are several TV shows that celebrate women who run the show.
Pushpa Impossible
Produced by Jamnadas Majethia, Pushpa Impossible stars Karuna Pandey as a middle-class, ambitious single mother. Pushpa lives in the Bapodra Chawl of Mumbai with her children: Ashwin, Chirag, and Rashi. Despite harsh circumstances, Pushpa always wears a smile. She finds humor in the silliest things to keep herself happy. She is the sole breadwinner, emotional anchor, and her children's best friend. What makes her extremely relatable to homemakers and mothers is that she is not perfect. She makes mistakes while juggling her duties, is flawed, and does not try to be perfect. She learns and evolves, which is the best part of her personality.
Neerja – Ek Nayi Pehchaan
This serial chronicles the life of Neerja, a girl whose mother works as a sex worker in the red light district of Kolkata. Despite her circumstances, Neerja's mother, Protima, is determined to make her daughter's life better than her own. Neerja grows up around sex workers but, despite being exposed to the dark side of society, she does not turn bitter. She is raised by women who refuse to be let down despite societal shame for their profession. Neerja becomes the apple of everyone's eyes as she grows up. Her mother and the brothel ladies aim to protect her from Didun, who wants to sell her off for a handsome price. As Neerja matures, her sole aim is to improve the lives of sex workers. Even though she faces resistance from Didun, she remains determined. Neerja's story is a masterclass in strength and resilience.
Neema Denzongpa
Neema Denzongpa tells the story of a North-eastern girl who elopes from her home with her lover to start a life in Mumbai. As a naive Neema enters the city of dreams, she struggles to make a place for herself. She is ridiculed primarily due to her looks and denied opportunities because of her roots. Even though Neema manages to win over Suresh's mother, she faces resentment when she gives birth to three daughters. Neema is then thrown out of the house along with her children and left to fend for herself. Despite her hardships, Neema manages to bring up her daughters well. She attends to their needs and teaches them to be responsible about their finances. Neema's journey from a naive North-east girl to a strong, independent mother raising kids with their own opinions is refreshing to watch.
Binddii- Dil Se Daring
Binddii is the story of a girl born in a prison cell. Her mother Kajal is falsely accused of a crime she did not commit. But even in prison among the other inmates, Binddii finds freedom. Ironically, it is the women accused by society who empower Binddii and instill values in her. The real challenge arises when Binddii is asked to return to the real world and lead a normal life. Binddii's journey from inmate to independent woman is empowering. As she steps out into the real world, she uses education to ensure justice for her grieving mother. The best part about Binddii's story is that, despite the harshest circumstances, she refuses to be a victim. She always finds a way out of situations, leaving even adults astonished.
Advocate Anjali Awasthy
Advocate Anjali Awasthi is a courtroom and romance drama where the titular character is a lawyer fighting the system. Anjali struggles to make a name for herself in a male-dominated world. At the same time, she battles the stigma of being her father's daughter, a defamed lawyer. However, fate turns when Anjali gets a case against a high-profile businessman. It is her make-or-break chance, as her opponent is one of the most distinguished lawyers in the country. Through Anjali's rise to fame, viewers get a sneak peek into the loopholes in the system. Problems in governance, law implementation, justice, jurisdiction, and women's safety are well addressed in the series.
Naamkaran
Conceptualized by renowned filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, Naamkaran is about a love child, Avni, who is constantly ridiculed due to her illegitimate birth. Avni's mother is Muslim, while her father is from an orthodox Hindu household. Their religious differences become one reason why Aashis's mother, Daywanti, refuses to accept Avni. With time, Avni grows up faster than her age. She becomes the emotional anchor of the family, defends her mother against public shaming, and confronts Daywanti for her archaic ideals. As the storyline progresses, Avni's grit and resilience strengthen. She parents her usurped brother Amol, stands up for what she believes is right, and ensures justice for her deceased parents. Avni's story, from a fearless independent child to an adult navigating modern problems with ease, strikes a chord with women of all ages.
