Laapataa Ladies: 4 Times Manju Maai Showed She's An Inspiration For Women

After a long wait, I finally watched Laapataa Ladies which had already created a fascination in me due to people's positive reaction to it. And guess what? All the reactions and reviews proved themselves right. The movie indeed is spectacular. With its background based on simplicity, the movie hits us with messages that are strong and empowering. Each actor in the movie did justice to their characters as they depicted normal people of rural India and how their rigid perspective changed drastically. From a bribe seeker police officer to a sincere protector of law who saved a woman from domestic violence, a devoted wife who understands the importance of financial empowerment, a domestic violence survivor living on her own, and an educated woman fulfilling her aspirations by breaking social norms- each character set examples of how distorted humanity still has the chance to improve.

However, in this article, I am going to write about the character who inspired me the most- Manju Maai. When she is first introduced to us, she seems like a normal woman stricken by poverty, who earns by serving tea and pakodas at a railway station. Initially, she seems like a rude woman who values only those who can work. When Phool Kumari approaches Manju Maai, she is also criticised for her faith in her husband who will come back seeking for her. 

Manju Maai's struggle and her resistance

However, later, we get to see a vulnerable yet empowering side of Manju Maai. When she allows Phool to stay in her house, sits on a sofa and smokes, she reveals dark secrets of her life. She was not alone since birth. She had a family of a husband and a son. However, both were unemployed and drunkards. Manju Maai was the sole earner. Yet, the drunkard husband and son duo used to beat her up. To justify their behaviour, they used to say, "The man who loves has the right to hit you." However, Manju Mai, fed up of the oppression, exercised her right too. She kicked her husband and son out of her house. 

Manju Maai's view on singlehood

Since then, Manju Maai has been living alone and earning a living. Phool does ask if living alone is not difficult. To this, Manju Maai says, "Being happy on your own is the toughest thing, Phool. But yes, once you master it, no one can bother you." 

This statement again hit me and touched my heartstrings. Vowed to remain single, sometimes singlehood scares me. What if I am not able to earn as much to pay my bills? What if I feel lonely? What if I am not happy living on my own? But Manju Maai made all these anxieties disappear by normalising it, helping women like me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Why do we need men? Manju Maai's relevant question

Last but not least, Manju Maai's comment on women's independence is so powerful as to inspire women of all generations. She claims that women can live on their own without needing a man to protect or support them, She said, "Women can farm and cook. We can give birth to children and raise them. If you think about it, women don't really need men at all. But if women figured this out, men would be screwed, wouldn't they?" 

This is a truth that every woman must know. Every woman must be aware that they don't need a man for financial, social or other kinds of support. After being enlightened by this idea, if a woman chooses to marry, it will solely be for companionship. 

There are many more dialogues by Manju Maai that reveal the truth of society. One of which is, "For centuries, women in this country have been duped. This con is known as 'a respectable girl." In the garb of respectable woman, society deprives women of the right to go out, seek independence and be free. All these acts, which are actually a woman's right, are deemed unsuitable for a woman from a reputed family. That's when Manju Maai becomes the inspiration for Phool who also starts working with Maai in the stall. The moment she received her first pay was overwhelming. 

A tea stall owner talking about empowerment?

It is indeed shocking that a woman with a tea stall is making such empowering statements. She has no education but only a traumatic experience that taught her lessons in life. This shows that to be empowered, you need an unbiased and critical perspective and not bookish knowledge. Unfortunately, the schools, media and films today are curbing the critical thinking of the viewers and are homogenising them as per the requirement of the power.

Of course, one should never have to go through trauma to understand their rights and freedom. However, they can learn from women who have been a survivor. Moreover, women who have been survivors must take a stand, resist the oppression and know their worth. Indeed, Manju Maai is the torch bearer of the 'Laapataa Ladies'.

I will sign off with another dialogue by Manju Maai which will help you traverse life and make the right decisions. The dialogue is, "There's nothing shameful in being a fool. But feeling proud of being a fool is shameful."

Views expressed are the author's own.