Veteran actress Meenakshi Seshadri has reflected on the portrayal of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships in Indian cinema, saying the dynamic has often been depicted negatively on screen.
Seshadri revisited her 1990 film Ghar Ho To Aisa, in which she played Seema Kumar, a strong-willed daughter-in-law opposite veteran actress Bindu. Sharing a video recreating the film’s popular song January February, Seshadri used the post to discuss how cinema has traditionally presented the relationship.
In her caption, Seshadri said her character, who was married to Amar, played by Anil Kapoor, stood up to the abusive treatment meted out by her in-laws. The film used exaggerated comedy, melodrama and karate sequences to portray the conflict between Seema and her mother-in-law, played by Bindu.
“The relationship between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law has often been portrayed with a negative flavor in Indian cinema,” Seshadri wrote, recalling her role in the film.
She added that she personally wished for mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law to develop a warm relationship after marriage, “just like a real-life mother and daughter.”
The video featured Seshadri dressed in a stylish co-ord outfit as she recreated January February, showcasing dance moves and expressions from the popular track.
The original song was sung by Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Aziz, with music composed by Bappi Lahiri and lyrics written by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
In Ghar Ho To Aisa, Seshadri’s Seema is portrayed as a fearless woman who challenges the domestic mistreatment inflicted by her in-laws. Bindu played the film’s antagonistic mother-in-law, a role that became one of her memorable screen portrayals.