Sharmajee Ki Beti: A Heartfelt Exploration of Womanhood Intertwined with Familiar Tropes

The representation of women in Indian cinema frequently fluctuates between two poles: nurturing mothers in saris and party-loving women sipping vodka, as filmmakers grapple with depicting a more authentic image. Prime Video’s newest original, Sharmajee Ki Beti, endeavors to achieve this balance by telling the stories of five women, all sharing the same last name, across three generations.

The characters crafted by Tahira Kashyap Khurrana are derived from everyday experiences: they might remind you of acquaintances, friends, or even your own self. Viewers will observe teenagers anxiously navigating puberty, while adults confront solitude, societal expectations, and complicated relationships. Each Sharma woman faces her unique struggles. The narrative shifts between their tales, with characters intermittently appearing in one another’s arcs, akin to crossover episodes.

A thoughtful exploration of femininity

Sakshi Tanwar delivers an impressive portrayal of a working mother

The script is insightful, capturing nuances of emotions, subtle moments, and the underlying tensions that often go unaddressed. One powerful scene features a teenager (Vanshika Taparia) confronting her working mother (Sakshi Tanwar): “Why should Dad help me get ready? It’s your responsibility.” This brief yet impactful moment reveals the deep-rooted gender dynamics that influence the often-overlooked parent-child relationship.

The film highlights how men can unknowingly uphold traditional patriarchal norms. Though they may be affectionate and supportive, they still subscribe to an ideal of womanhood shaped by societal narratives. They may assist with household responsibilities but perceive it as a favor, or acknowledge their partners publicly without recognizing their aspirations.

Throughout the film, you’ll encounter numerous significant dialogues that strip away the facade of hypocrisy surrounding the selective interpretation of women’s empowerment society promotes: you can aspire to be an athlete, but must also maintain flawless makeup; you can pursue a career, but mustn’t overlook domestic duties; you can socialize to combat feelings of isolation, but then you’re branded as “velli” (someone with too much leisure time).

Stereotypes and overused tropes

Saiyami portrays a state-level cricketer whose boyfriend urges her to adopt more feminine traits

While the film’s overall approach isn’t overly preachy, there are moments when it leans into well-worn clichés. At times, it feels as though the creators are hastily trying to include multiple themes from an imaginary checklist, leading to a cluttered narrative — the same error that Sanjay Leela Bhansali encountered with Heeramandi.

This is particularly evident in Saiyami Kher’s portrayal of a state-level cricket player who loathes preparing herself. While personal choice is respected, the depiction felt overly convenient and stereotypical. For a film striving to celebrate womanhood, the inclination to masculinize the athlete instead of embracing her distinct feminine traits is rather disheartening. Kher’s one-dimensional portrayal doesn’t help either; I wished for a more nuanced and multifaceted character rather than the simplistic approach taken.

Another aspect where the film finds itself lacking is in cohesion. Just as you become engrossed in a Sharma character’s story, the narrative shifts to another, disrupting the flow. An anthology-style presentation of each character’s tale might have been more effective, allowing the audience to deeply engage with each story and appreciate it as it deserves.

Nonetheless, despite its imperfections, Sharmajee Ki Beti merits attention for its sincere effort to illuminate the various challenges of womanhood and initiate crucial dialogues. Its heartfelt themes and authentic representations make for an enriching cinematic experience. I particularly appreciated how it captures the smallest, often trivial aspects of womanhood and highlights their significant impact on women’s lives across all storylines.

A notable scene features an elderly woman (Sunita Malhotra) openly relishing an erotic audiobook or podcast. This brief moment is refreshingly candid and bravely addresses the often-silenced taboo of sexuality among older individuals. It dismantles ageist barriers and fosters a more inclusive dialogue about sexuality.

Outstanding performances in Sharmajee Ki Beti

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Divya Dutta’s narrative journey is the most poignant of the film

The film excels in several moments, notably through Divya Dutta’s character, which is meticulously developed and enhanced by her outstanding performance. Dutta portrays a lonely housewife who relocates from Patiala to Mumbai, only to encounter a new, bleak reality. Her husband (Parvin Dabas) has become indifferent, her teenage daughter (Arista Mehta) chooses isolation, and her mother back home isn’t eager to connect with her.

This leaves Dutta’s character feeling a profound emptiness. Viewers witness her attempt to engage in conversations with every person she encounters, from vendors to young children, all of whom dismiss her. The depth of her plight resonates strongly, evoking sympathy. The film addresses urban loneliness, increasingly rampant in metropolitan areas today, with the care and sensitivity it rightfully deserves.

Dutta’s character frequently journeys into her imagination, where she feels loved, celebrated, cherished, and even heroic at times! Each of these dream sequences adds a whimsical element, alleviates tension, and balances the film’s tone.

A surprising standout is child actress Vanshika Taparia, who plays Sakshi Tanwar’s teenage daughter. She expresses her frustrations, vocalizes openly, overthinks, and grapples with insecurity. Taparia’s performance is authentic and relatable. I eagerly anticipate witnessing more of her future projects.

Sharmajee Ki Beti is currently available for streaming on Prime Video