Changing Definitions of Womanhood

My husband’s post-Diwali leave ended by watching Jhimma 2, a Marathi movie with my in-laws. In-laws, technically yes, but have spent more of my time and energy with them than with my own parents! My relationship with them is also a part of today’s article. Changing definitions of womanhood!

 

An easy yet happening movie, Jhimaa 2 is a perfect sequel to its first part. It's about a tour arranged by a young man called Kabir, who takes a group of ladies to London in the first part and Lake District in the second part. The story is about those women and their lives. How each one has her own struggles and wants to enjoy despite them. 

The coolest character was shown of Indu who turns 75 years in the second part. She has experienced the major struggles of her life and now simply wants to enjoy herself despite her Parkinsons. She is happy with a glass of wine, a smile on her face and encouraging all young women to aspire for something better. There was a middle-aged character called Meeta who was trying to gain confidence and live an independent life encouraged by her sister and daughter post her husband’s sudden demise. There was one lady who used to run away from all the enjoyment and over-exercise to forget the fact about the removal of her uterus and no marriage proposals because of that. Krutika is shown as the younger version of Indu- modern and practical. She meets Steve in the first part and runs a Bed and Breakfast service with Steve’s brother in the second part. The movie was stolen by Nirmitee Sawant who played the character of Nirmala, a perfectly depicted wife of a politician from a hardcore traditional family. She tastes alcohol for the first time in the first part and then craves for it in the second one. In the second part, she is also joined by her daughter-in-law, Tanya, a modern homemaker with an independent identity. 

There were a few very thoughtful situations, scenes and dialogues to strike a chord with our hearts and minds. 

The attitude of the new entrant Tanya was exceptionally remarkable. She was shown to be perfectly comfortable with her salwar kameez outfit, making teas and cooking whenever time demanded. Totally at ease and confident about her identity as a homemaker, without comparison to other ladies of her own generation. She tells the practical Krutika, I take care of people and cook for my own self. Having a job is not the only identity a woman can have. She swims to save the life of Indu and tells the lady with the uterus problem not to take tension, she can always adopt a kid. A lesson to be learnt by all of us is to be comfortable with our own selves without pleasing others and comparing ourselves with others. 

Meeta’s story also teaches a beautiful lesson on independence. Her sister and daughter are constantly trying to pair her with some man. Her teenage daughter finally tells her, Mother we are not looking for a father for myself, we are looking for a friend for yourself. An evolving take on companionship and marriage.

The hardcore traditional and not very educated character of Nirmala also finally accepts that her daughter-in-law is good. Initially, she is shown to be jealous of her as she gets the attention of all her friends due to her simple and caring nature, but in the end, they both make it up. A unique changing relation is shown between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law. Tanya is shown serving a tablet with water to remove her mother-in-law’s hangover. Nirmala is shown acknowledging Tanya’s modern, outspoken and simplistic views. 

All in all a good take on womanhood. The changing identity of a lady in the changing times! Though I do not personally find women consuming alcohol cool, there are a few lessons for us in this one. What is important is the identity of a woman which arises from her strong sense of self reflected in her decisions. It is not related to the external world of job, family or clothes. But it's her comfort in being herself. It is definitely difficult in today’s world of social media where we polish ourselves to project a better self. But think about it, life is actually easier when we truly accept ourselves and others around us. Only when a woman is strong with a sense of self, the future generation can aspire to be the same. 

So times are always changing, and definitions evolving, but the winner is always a lady with a thoughtful head on shoulders and a loving heart in her bosom!