EkWomen highlights stories of inspiring desi women who’ve broken barriers and excelled in unusual careers. Today’s blog is not about diaspora women, but instead, I’m just reveling in being Indian. Bollywood is a fantastic ambassador and keeps us immigrants connected to the motherland. In the 80’s we waited for movies to be released on VHS but now select theatres show all the latest movies. Imagine the excitement when a classic Bollywood movie was adapted for the stage in India and is now on a tour of the US and Canada. Desis went berserk.
Older Indians will remember the Dilip Kumar/Madhubala film Mughal-E-Azam that made waves at the Box office with its drama and popular melodies has been recreated by Feroz Abbas Khan for the stage. In New York, they performed at the prestigious Lincoln Centre New York Desis turned out in their Indian finery despite the cold weather. Nobody left the venue disappointed after partaking of Khan’s grand spectacle. After the show, there were even little topis distributed to a lucky few who struck up their best Anarkali pose against the splendid backdrops placed all over the place. From the awe-inspiring backdrops to the perfectly choreographed kathak dances and the soulful melodies, Khan gave desi’s a real taste of nostalgia. And let’s not forget the most amazing costumes designed by none other than Manish Malhotra. So full credit to this production. Lincoln centre is a big deal and it truly was a moment of pride to see South Asian talent on full display.
After the show, I began pondering the relevance of Mughal-E-Azam for the diaspora, other than the nostalgia factor. For women, the topic of self-sacrifice is a familiar one. Women in India have battled it for centuries. You would think there would be emancipation when they leave the shackles of India. Ask older immigrant women and you’ll discover sacrifice is a common thread in all their lives. Many put careers on hold or gave up their pursuits in deference to their husbands’ careers. Anarkali is a testament to the resilience of women who are tested time and time again. Desi women know all about that especially for those who moved from India. They had to learn how to adapt, learn to understand their American kids, learn to become self-sufficient. There is another lesson too in how Anarkali challenges the patriarchy. It comes naturally to young desi girls today, but it serves as a reminder for older women to emulate. The fact the show is on such a big world stage is also a moment of pride and maybe Anarkali’s talent will influence young desi girls iffy about pursuing a career in the arts.
There is another lesson too in how Anarkali challenges the patriarchy. It comes naturally to young desi girls today, but it serves as a reminder for older women to emulate.
One line resonated and has stayed with me. As Anarkali is led away for a life in exile, she turns to her lover’s father and says, “I forgive you.” That is strength. That is what I hope many of the diaspora women took away. Not about wilting in love but about rising in it. Kill your enemy with words and walk away with your head held high. Take back your power.
