Once upon a time, I used to post Signing Saturday posts, and here is another one after many years.. just because I feel like it.. Have you seen the movie Dil Dhadakne Do? It’s an Indian movie that came out in the summer this year and I didn’t make it to the theater to watch it.. A few months later, I ended up watching it online in really bad print, because I was craving to watch it and I didn’t care how bad the print was.. Yeah I have many days like that when I just decide that I am going to watch a movie no matter what, and I have seen movies where I can barely see people’s expressions, but I’m still happy because I get to see the movie I wanted to.. This usually happens on Friday or Saturday nights, when I am just craving for some good Hindi movie..
So, I ended up watching the movie again tonight in really good print, and it almost felt like I was watching the movie for the first time, because I could see all the details.. Now I am a sucker for happy Bollywood movies that are not very misogynistic.. And I feel that this was one of them.. There are a few relatively independent women characters in the movie, but I won’t say too much and spoil the movie for you.. What I liked the most about this movie is that it verbalizes systemic patriarchy and hypocrisy in Indian families, traditions and the society overall.. It is entertaining, yet it calls a spade a spade..
I am crushing big time on Farhan Akhtar after watching this movie.. And I have to tell you about my favorite scene from the movie.. Please feel free to ignore if you don’t want spoilers..
*** Spoiler Alert Begins ***
So Ayesha (Priyanka Chopra) is married to Manav (Rahul Bose) and Sunny (Farhan Akhtar) is her former best friend/ boyfriend.
Manav says to Sunny (who is a journalist) that journalists exaggerate things. One example he gives is that journalists have been writing a lot about women’s issues, and if one were to believe reports, it would seem that the whole country is unsafe for women.
Sunny replies that that’s what the surveys say. And in any case, it’s not just about women’s safety, but also about equal rights.
Manav replies that that’s his point, that there’s a gradual change in the mindset of people. He gives an example of his family – that no woman in his family had ever worked. But he allowed his wife (Ayesha) to run her own business.
Sunny replies that the problem is that Manav allowed Ayesha to pursue what she wants. He asks the question why Ayesha needs his permission at all? By allowing Ayesha to pursue her business interests, he is giving himself a position of authority, a control over Ayesha’s life, and that’s not equality.
At that point, a teenage girl in the movie tells Sunny she loves him. And I wanted to say the same, I love you Sunny! For getting it right!! And for not putting yourself on a pedestal for that! And I hope to find a guy like that someday!
*** Spoiler Alert Ends ***
Since this is a Singing Saturday post, here’s one of my favorite songs from the movie that I feel like dancing to right now! 😉 Hope you like it! Have a good weekend!!
P.S. I have had two glasses of wine, so please excuse any typos or grammatical errors!
Sunshine and Rainbows! 
Wine is goood.. you came out with a lovely post 😊
Lovely song and yes I enjoyed this movie.. Regarding the dialogue on women working permission. . Etc etc.. without sounding stupid I do think journalists especially in india write stuff to sell .. simple..
What they them self do is a different thing
But hopefully things are really changing and changes are happening
Yes Bikram, wine is always good! 😉 yes I liked the movie too.. Regarding journalists,
I think there are all kinds of professionals in any given field – people who do their job seriously and those who don’t.. So there are many journalists who write what sells, and then there are others who care about their jobs.. And of course, there are people who vary along that scale.. But that scene was more about the concept of an individual giving another individual permission to do something and then claiming that they are equals..
I understand that .. but for whatever situation is.. let me be very abrupt. . For that situation everyobe is responsible not just one gender.. or just one part of society.
We are the ones who have brought all this to where it is now.
But hopefully as I said things are changing. . And god willing one day we will all have what it should be..
I agree with you.. Both men and women are responsible for maintaining the current status quo and believe in the patriarchal system and support it.. However, in this case, we see a guy who is chauvinist yet claims to be supporting equality, and is called out for that.. This doesn’t mean all men are doing that.. Also, very few people are able to question the privilege they may have in any given situation.. Finally, I hope too things are changing, and discussions about gender issues are important to bring about that change..
I haven’t watched the movie and have been debating about it. Now I think I will 🙂
Love the songs of the movie!
Yes yes, watch it.. It’s a pretty decent fun watch! 🙂
I like this song! Such a fun song.
🙂