Lajja (2001)

In the throes of a loveless marriage, Vaidehi finds herself trapped with her morally debased, U.S.-based husband, Raghu. Fearful for herself and the safety of her unborn child, she makes a daring escape to India, leaving a wake that lures Raghu on a relentless pursuit. The journey becomes a poignant trail of encounters with a diverse array of characters, each embodying the many faces of Indian society. Vaidehi finds unlikely refuge in the company of a kind-hearted burglar amidst the revelry of a wedding. Here, she witnesses the torment of Maithili, the bride, whose father is humiliated by the groom's family for his inability to pay a hefty dowry. This cruel spectacle of patriarchal power awakens Vaidehi's empathy, lighting the spark of resistance. Further down her journey, Vaidehi crosses paths with Janki, a fiery theatre actress and radical feminist. Janki's life is a tightrope walk, balancing her love for her co-star, Manish, and the impending birth of their child, while fending off the lecherous advances of Purshottam, the theatre director. In a quaint village, Vaidehi encounters Ramdulaari, a revered midwife and local healer, who leads a life of quiet rebellion against the misogynistic tyranny of Gajendra and Virender, the brothers who hold the village in a vice grip of fear. Amidst this stifling atmosphere, Ramdulaari's son nurtures a forbidden romance with Gajendra's daughter, Sushma. Ultimately, Vaidehi finds sanctuary with Bulwa, a bandit who venerates the Mother Goddess and champions women's dignity, giving Vaidehi the strength to confront her past. "Lajja" weaves together these stories of despair and defiance, each culminating in a riveting climax demonstrating the resilience of womankind. It's a testament to the power of womanhood, underscoring the timeless message: every woman has a breaking point, and when pushed to the brink, she will fight back.

Lajja is a drama movie featuring Rekha and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.

Lajja is currently streaming on Eros Now.

It is also possible to buy Lajja on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies and YouTube.