Reading the 'New Woman' Trope: Women and Sports Films in Bollywood

Abstract

This paper explores the evolving representation of women in the sports genre of Hindi cinema,
highlighting a significant shift from stereotypical depictions of passive female characters to more
nuanced portrayals of empowered women athletes. Through a narrative analysis of three films—Panga
(2020), Rashmi Rocket (2021), and Shabaash Mithu (2022)—the study examines how contemporary
filmmakers employ gender-sensitive techniques to create complex female protagonists who navigate
societal challenges, including class, caste, and patriarchal norms. These films reflect the emergence of
the "new woman" trope, which counters traditional narratives of victimization and objectification,
portraying women as independent, capable, and assertive in their respective sports. The paper also
discusses the broader implications of these cinematic shifts for gender representation in Indian sports
films.