Objection, Your Honour! Too few women lawyers in Bollywood

The rare few have delivered memorable performances, writes Aditya Mukherjee

Last week, Justice B V Nagarathna of the Supreme Court called for reservation for women in gram panchayats, and greater representation for women in the legal system. She said at least 30 per cent of law officers representing the Union and state governments should be women.

The legal profession in India is male-dominated. Justice Fathima Beevi became the first woman judge of the Supreme Court in 1989. Bollywood films have largely perpetuated stereotypes — female lawyers are exceptions rather than the norm.

But some films have featured women lawyers who convincingly challenged male stereotypes. These portrayals have highlighted the strength, intelligence, and resilience of women in law. 

Here are five examples:

Nargis in Awaara

In ‘Awaara’ (1951), Nargis’s character plays an ambitious urban woman striving to become a lawyer. Her role is notably progressive, as she defends her childhood friend and lover who faces murder charges. Wearing a black robe, she argues with confidence and presents compelling facts to support her defence.

Rekha in Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye 

In this 1982 film, Rekha plays a spirited lawyer who fights for a young woman pregnant with her lover’s child. The man refuses to accept the child as his. Rekha’s character, a single mother herself, secures justice for her client. Her sharp legal mind and commitment to her client’s cause makes her a memorable and empowering character.

Smita Patil in Aaj Ki Awaaz’

Smita Patil will always be remembered for her powerful role as a gritty lawyer in Aaj Ki Awaaz’ (1984). Her character defends the hero, played by Raj Babbar. He has killed his sister’s rapists. She fiercely challenges systemic corruption. 

Rani Mukherji in ‘Veer-Zaara’

In ‘Veer-Zaara’ (2004), Rani Mukerji brings verve and conviction to her role as a lawyer. As Saamia Siddiqui, a Pakistani human rights lawyer, she takes up her first case: defending an aging Indian who has spent 22 years in a Pakistani jail. 

Kareena Kapoor in Aitraaz

In ‘Aitraaz’ (2004), Kareena Kapoor’s character fights a case where her husband is falsely accused of rape. She strives hard to uncover the truth and builds a compelling case.

Richa Chadha in Section 375

In this 2019 film, Richa Chadha plays Hiral Gandhi, a public prosecutor determined to secure justice for a rape victim. It is a rape case in which a filmmaker rapes his assistant. Richa received wide appreciation for her portrayal of a gutsy lawyer.

(The writer is an independent journalist)