Women’s Day Special: From Maya Sarabhai to Anupamaa, 5 inspiring female characters from Indian television

The Indian daily soaps women lead mostly show the female protagonist as decent, obedient, family-oriented, and self-sacrificing. In most TV soaps, women play stereotypical roles of women who need men to save them. But among the many shows like these, there are few shows which showcase strong women. These women are self-made and do not need men in shining armor to save them. These are the women the audiences remember for a long time for their poignant roles on the TV screen.

We are providing below 5 TV female leads who defied gender roles and etched their name in the television industry:

Maya Sarabhai (Sarabhai vs Sarabhai)– The show was a prominent one when it was aired and people watch it now as well. The credit goes to the excellent role of the Maya Sarabhai, an elegant and classy woman, who is strong-headed and way ahead of her time. She is loved for her on-point opinions and impeccable style.

Anupamaa (Anupamaa)– The top-rated show with the highest viewership at present, Anupamaa is a show that revolves around the life of a middle-aged woman. Anupamaa takes a stand for herself and her children against her husband. It is an excellent portrayal of a strong middle-class woman, who takes it upon herself to take care of her family and herself when put in a spot.

Dayaben (Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma)– If there is one name you can think of when you talk about the famous comedy show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma, it is Dayaben. Her unique laugh and quick wit are immensely loved by the audiences. She is fearless, charming, loving, and always comes up with unique ideas for various problems.

Jassi (Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi)– The serial showcased the transformation of a meek girl into a gorgeous woman, who is confident and stood her ground in all situations. Jassi was an immensely loved character, where she was unaffected by the judgment passed by others about her looks and always stood up against what was wrong.

Maya (Beyhadh)– The show revolves around a strong-willed and powerful businesswoman Maya, who has a never-back-down attitude. She is a self-made woman who fights her own battles without blinking an eye. She overcomes the stigmas of her troubled childhood and made herself a strong woman to be reckoned with prestige.