Five Films Of Sharmila Tagore That Are A Delight, Here Is Why You Should Watch Them

Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore is one of those Bollywood heroines who broke down stereotypes and worked in progressive films that were believed to be radical at that time. Tagore was a rebel since childhood. She chose not to follow the straight paths ahead of her; Instead, she chose paths that were less travelled which ultimately helped her getting success in her professional career. Her bikini shoot for the Filmfare in 1966 brought in a lot of criticism at that time but she went on doing it. This shows how free-spirited she was.

Whether it was playing an old woman in Aradhana (1969) or donning up a role as a vamp in An Evening in Paris (1967), she did all of it with grace and that too at a time when the female lead was seen as the 'good girl' and the vamp was put into the category of a bad girl. Her out-of-the-box films are a delight to watch even today. Though, few treading on the line of 1960s and 1970s cliché, do stereotype women in one way or the other.

Here are five of her progressive films that are quite fresh and unique even today.

Also Read: Celebrating Sharmila Tagore’s Birthday: A Look At How She Views Life

Five Progressive Bollywood Films Of Sharmila Tagore

Anupama (1966)

This film was an unconventional drama revolving around a deeply introverted girl. Alongside Dharmendra and Deven Varma, she plays a reserve and introvert Uma whereas Dharmendra portrayed the role of a writer and teacher. In the movie, Dharmendra slowly brings Uma out of her shell. It is a subtle movie weaved around a woman's strained life.

An Evening In Paris (1967)

Before the release of this film, Sharmila Tagore grabbed the eye-balls with her two-piece bikini shoot for the Filmfare. Many believed it to be a publicity-stunt but at various instances, Tagore displayed shock at this narrative. Nevertheless, An Evening In Paris was a success at the box office. Starring Shammi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, and Pran, the film held on to the plot with the backdrop of France. Not to forget, you will love Tagore's double role in the movie.

Aradhana (1969)

Aradhana is one of Sharmila's most acclaimed films. The film starts with Vandana (Sharmila Tagore) being convicted of murder and is sentenced to life imprisonment. What follows is a flashback story. Roop Tera Mastana from the film still plays on a loop for many even for the Millennials like me. In the film, Vandana gives birth to a baby. Wait. She gives birth to a baby out of wed-lock and thus she has to leave the baby in the orphanage.

Also Read: Sharmila Tagore Turns 76 ! Here’s How Her Family Wished Her

Mausam (1975)

Mausam was the movie which got Tagore the National Award for the best actress. The film released in the year of several blockbusters. 1975 saw the release of Sholay, Jai Santoshi Maa, and Deewar, all classic documentation of its time. Mausam was also among those blockbuster films which went on garnering acclamation at the National Awards. The film revolves around Amarnath Gill, Chanda, and Kajli. Love, brothel scenes, and a strong protagonist drives the plot of the movie.

Mississippi Masala (1991)

Directed by one of the most acclaimed and appreciated director Mira Nair, this film touches upon various themes. This film went on to garner accolades at various International and National film festivals. Mississipi Masala has Sharmila Tagore playing Kinnu in the film. Mississipi Masala delves onto the theme of racial conflict and at various fronts is able to do justice to it. Watch it for Mira Nair and Sharmila Tagore.

Also Read: Bollywood Bias: Sharmila Tagore, Nandita Das on the gender challenge at The Bridge Talks

Sanskriti Tiwari is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.