Why Netflix’s ‘Bombay Begums’ are the Boss Ladies We Need

Highlights

When Ayesha finally gathers the courage to stand up against her sexual abuse, even after she admitted earlier that it was consensual.

When the board asks Rani to quit because her affair leaks.

When Fatima realizes she made a mistake judging Deepak’s character and had victim-blamed Ayesha.

When Lily witnesses Ayesha’s molestation in the car and speaks up for her.

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Netflix’s Bombay Begums is much in the news now for its depiction of the flawed, imperfect portrayal of women who have made mistakes, have been violated, have fallen apart, and yet have succeeded in gathering their pieces back together in a man’s world. The realistic characters of the protagonists make them relatable because they are just like us- falling for temptations, giving into desires, and yet owning up their mistakes and standing tall and these are the naaris we need to see more of- sanskaari or not.

Here are 6 times the Bombay Begums owned up and refused to give in

1. When Ayesha finally gathers the courage to stand up against her sexual abuse, even after she admitted earlier that it was consensual.

There is no right or wrong way to report abuse. We may take time to process what has happened and when we can we should be able to change our narrative if that is the right thing to do.

2. When the board asks Rani to quit because her affair leaks.

Rani refuses to give in to the board’s request to quit on the basis of rumours. She is able to differentiate her personal and professional life and even though she may have made a mistake she won’t let that overshadow her professional course.

3. When Fatima realizes she made a mistake judging Deepak’s character and had victim-blamed Ayesha.

Once Fatima realized that what she did was wrong and had failed all along to see the man that Deepak was, she did not hesitate to accept that she was wrong and right her mistakes to get Ayesha justice. And so does Rani.

4. When Lily witnesses Ayesha’s molestation in the car and speaks up for her.

Initially Lily is the one who informs Rani about the car abuse situation between Ayesha and Deepak and urges Ayesha to stand up for what is right. When Ayesha lies saying it was consensual, she tells her that being a prostitute she can identify what is consensual and what is not.

5. When Rani tells her stepdaughter Shai about her sexual abuse.

Even though Rani is not accepted as a mother by her stepdaughter, she doesn’t stop trying. Instead she becomes vulnerable and opens up to her about the sexual abuse she suffered at the beginning of her career, telling Shia that it’s never worth it to let men own any aspect of their life at any point.

6. When Fatima confronts her husband’s team at work.

Fatima shows how she does not let her relationship with her husband come in the way when she has to reprimand him and his team for forgoing a deadline. Whatever equation she may share with her husband at home and whatever insecurities they may have with each other, Once she is in her seat, all she knows is to do her job and do it right.

Bombay Begums may not have been perfect and is also flawed in many ways but we have to give it to them for showing real, vulnerable characters bearing open their fears, insecurities. It also has opened up conversations about menstruation, menopause, miscarriages, sexual abuse and unconventional marriage depiction.

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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a largely prevalent disorder that affects one in every five women in India. While symptoms such as irregular periods, unusual weight gain, excessive hair growth and acne all usually point to PCOS, many women experience no symptoms, which means the condition can go undiagnosed well into adulthood.

While the exact cause of PCOS is yet to be determined, the disorder is linked to abnormal levels of androgen (male hormones) in the body, including high insulin levels, which may result in more than half of all PCOS sufferers developing type 2 diabetes before the age of 40. Even though there is no cure for the disorder, a doctor recommended diet, workout regimen, and medication can help treat the symptoms.

The conversation around PCOS has opened up in recent years, leading to a greater awareness of the symptoms. Many celebrities and influencers have come forward and used their platform to address and share their stories of struggles with the disorder. One such celebrity to come forward is Sara Ali Khan, who opened up about life with PCOS.

Before the release of her debut film, Khan opened up about her struggle with PCOS. On the chat show Koffee With Karan, she claimed she was 96 kgs, and due to her hormone levels, it was challenging for her to lose the weight that she had put on while studying at Columbia University. Sara underwent a weight-loss transformation to look and feel her best despite the challenges.

With sheer willpower, Sara conquered her diet and practised yoga and Kathak, all while hitting the gym regularly, where she incorporates cardio and weight training. In the past, Sara has confessed how she does not consume carbs, any form of sugar or even milk. She eats a lot of protein ranging from eggs to chicken and snacks on cucumber sticks and low-fat greek yoghurt with protein powder and a pinch of coffee that she considers her dessert.

While one can take inspiration from Sara’s story, it is also important to remember that every person’s body is different, and each body needs different care. So before undertaking any diet or fitness routine, it is essential to consult a doctor first and get the care designed for your body’s needs.