Why do we need another relationship to heal from the previously abusive one?
I recently watched “Arth”, which was released in 1982. The movie was directed by Mahesh Bhatt, with Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil in the lead roles. The film, to me, is primarily about the journey of a woman from being a loving and caring wife to someone who recognises her self worth and shatters the gender norms, emerging as an independent woman.
The movie is layered with class distinctions, lust, infidelity, gender-based discrimination, domestic violence, et al. The role of Shabani Azmi as Pooja inspired me in essentially two ways.
Firstly, considering the social context and timeline of the movie, it was a pathbreaking one. Rejecting the normative behaviour standards expected out of women, Shabana Azmi portrays a strong-willed character and carves out her destiny. Secondly, the film became more intriguing to me when I watched a recent interview with Shabana Azmi.
In the interview, Shabani Azmi stated that after the film was released many women who were victims of domestic violence started looking up to her and requested her to do something for their protection. In response to this, Shabana, who was overwhelmed initially, later decided that she’d enter the field of social activism and help suffering women out there.
This whole instance inspires me in more ways than one. First, it sends out a strong message that what is portrayed on screen can significantly impact the viewers. Hence, there is a dire need to write women characters who are strong, determined, independent yet do not shy away from portraying their vulnerability.
Another interesting aspect of the film is that Pooja does get help and support from a friend, Raj, during her tough times. However, the last scene of this film is hugely groundbreaking in terms of Pooja’s stand on her life.
Pooja says to Raj, “Kanooni taur se Malhotra mere naam se humesha ke lie alag hogaya hai. Apne hone ka ehsaas aaj puri tarah jaaga hai mujhme (Legally the name Malhotra is separate from me. I can fully feel independent now.”
Pooja reclaims her identity and is not ready to compromise her self respect. She acknowledges the support of Raj, but she is not ready to develop a romantic relationship with him. She wants to live her life on her terms.
Pooja’s strong personality and self-belief make me feel more confident about myself. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BreakTheBias, and I feel this movie aptly fits under it. Like Pooja, we all need to repose faith in ourselves and our abilities. We can very much lead our lives independently and fight our own battles.