Vol. 7, Issue 5, Part F (2021)

Abstract
Cinema is one of the most powerful mediums of mass communication and entertainment. A combination of several arts like painting, dance, music, sculpture, puppetry, Cinema has the power to reach heterogeneous audience. Hindi cinema has been a mirror of society. Hindi cinema has reflected the socio-cultural patterns, trends, political upheavals surfacing the society. It is an agent of social change. A Woman is a very important segment of society. In fact, she forms the base of superstructure of society. One of the best ways to judge the spirit of a civilization, appreciate its strength, glory and recognize its weakness and limitations is to study the position and status of women in it. No doubt, the equality of status has been bestowed to her by the constitution but ensuring a woman’s autonomy and increased participation and decision making power in family and public life is still existential. It is very sad to admit that our Indian society is patriarchal to the very core. Here men are seen as breadwinners and the role of a woman is being confined to a good homemaker. She is rarely seen as individual. Despite empowerment notions and various reforms, heinous crimes against women are on the rise In earlier films, female experience was ignored and was given less importance. They were trapped in secondary roles and they handled with care the male ego but 21st century Hindi Films are showing various aspects in the representation of women and their multifarious role in society 21st Century Cinema is giving vent to the hidden motifs of feminine sensibilities, her quest for freedom, self-respect, dignity and her changing role in society through films like, Kya Kehna, English Vinglish, Dor, Mardaani, Thappad, Queen, Panga and many such movies. Their contribution is significant in making the society aware of women’s needs and aspirations.