Pragya, Preeta, Archana Gave Indian Women A Voice And Here’s Why We Believe That

Padma Shri Award winner Ekta Kapoor recently claimed that her serials have helped shape the mindset of Indian women and give them a voice at a time when we were facing strong patriarchal issues. In a recent interview with a leading daily, the celebrated TV producer opened up about the impact her characters had in the society and how they have paved way for new debates on feminism. Despite their overdramatisation, serials like Kkusum and Kumkum Bhagya, the lead protagonists have helped women understand and invoke their innate strength.

Ekta says, “They actually gave Indian women a voice,” and further adds, “There’s research that shows that after cable penetration, from about 2001 to 2005, which is when my shows ran, India, for the first time, saw women take decisions on family issues. This had never happened before, and it was directly linked to the fact that we made the women in our shows do this.”

Ekta also gave an instance of how a song from Kkusum propagated the idea of quashing patriarchy. She said, “There was a song in Kkusum, for instance, called Beti ke Roop Mein Beta Mila. In hindsight, the very idea that a bread-winning woman should be compared to a man reeks of patriarchy, but at that time, we were fighting a different war: We wanted to gain acceptance for the idea that it’s fine for girls to support their parents financially.”

We have to admit to the fact that Ekta has given the TV industry some strong and inspiring female protagonists. Right from Tulsi Virani of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi to Pragya Mehra of Kumkum Bhagya, these women have reigned the Telly world with their strife to be heard and respected. This Women’s Day, we look at some of the characters from Ekta Kapoor’s Zee TV shows who have lived by ‘Main Mera Dekh Loongi’ mantra.

Kumkum Bhagya

Still from Kumkum Bhagya with Pragya

Pragya’s character is the epitome of an ideal strong woman. Not only has she been brought up in a certain way that makes her a practical, responsible and morally sound person but she has rubbed off the same qualities in her daughter Prachi. Not to mention how Pragya transformed from a demure middle-class girl into a strong woman.

Kundali Bhagya

Preeta and Mahira in a Kundali Bhagya still

Kundali Bhagya’s Preeta is a smart and a total badass, who hails from a small town. She is strong and does not let adversities get to her. In fact, Preeta consistently proves that when you believe in something, you must do your best to achieve it.

Pavitra Rishta

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Ankita Lokhande’s act as the homely and hardworking Archana is an inspiration to all! Right from being the breadwinner to a middle-class family to supporting her husband, who owns a garage, Archana belittles all the taboos that are consistently tagged to a woman, such as women constricting themselves to domestic work, inability to make a name for themselves in a corporate environment, etc.

Hum Paanch

(Source: Zee TV)

Anand Mathur’s struggles as he raises his five daughters is a laughter riot. However, at the same time, they also show us the various personalities of independent women. Take Meenakshji for example, she is a total feminist who wants to bring about a change in society. Of course, the other girls are just as interesting.

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The epic tale of Jodha Bai and Jalaluddin Akbar has seen several renditions in films as well as TV shows. However, adding her feminist spin to the show, Ekta brought forth the love story in the time of the Mughal era and projected a whole new view of female power.

Kasamh Se

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Ekta also blessed the TV industry with Kasamh Se and brought forth a character that we’ll never forget, Bani Dixit, played by Prachi Desai. The plot revolves around three sisters, who migrate to Mumbai to honour their father’s dying wish. The series showcased how a woman survives in a man’s world while holding her own.

Ekta Kapoor certainly makes a valid point and we do believe that these serials and their star characters will continue to focus on social issues.

For more such entertaining content, watch Code M, starring Jennifer Winget and Tanuj Virwani, now streaming on ZEE5.