The Invisible Hero
Heroes come in many shapes and sizes. And there are just as many definitions of a hero, but the common denominator is “courage." War heroes are first to come to mind followed by firefighters and police officers who save and protect others. But what about the “invisible heroes?” The ones that touch your life and attempt to make things better for the next generation.
Filmmaker Leena Yadav is one of those “invisible heroes” that dares to speak the truth. Through the art of film, she confronts long-entrenched traditions that hurt not only women, but men as well. In my recent interview with Yadav, she shared the awful truth that in many parts of the world, and even in our own backyard, women are viewed as a piece of property, a human that is not worthy of their own identity.
It’s incomprehensible for most of us to think that we, as women, would ever allow anyone to buy or sell us like cattle or to abuse us sexually, physically, or verbally. Why wouldn’t we just get ourselves out of the situation? In her new film “Parched,” Yadav creates a complex and richly layered story about three women in a village, all with different oppressive situations, allowing us to understand why they can’t just “get out.” “Rani” (Tannishtha Chatterjee) is a widow raising her defiant young son, attempting to marry him off as she borrows money to secure a dowry payment. “Lajjo” (Radhika Apte) is in a horrifically abusive marriage, seemingly infertile, and paying the price of her inabilities. And Bijli bucks the system as she is employed as an exotic dancer. Together, these heroes bare their souls and are willing to stand up to the repressive and tyrannical laws governing their status and growth. Their strength, determination, and willingness to make sacrifices do not deter them from breaking this unacceptable cycle. It’s truly an inspirational and beautiful story set in a “parched” and intellectually depressing and barren land.
Watch the trailer here.
By Pamela Powell