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| director      = [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]
| director      = [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]
| producer      = Rajkumar Santoshi
| producer      = Rajkumar Santoshi
| writer        = Ranjit Kapoor<br />Rajkumar Santoshi (Dialogues)
| writer        = {{ubl|Ranjit Kapoor|Rajkumar Santoshi (Dialogues)}}
| story          = Rajkumar Santoshi<br/>[[Ram (director)|Ram]] (uncredited)
| story          = {{ubl|Rajkumar Santoshi|[[Ram (director)|Ram]] (uncredited)}}
| screenplay    = Ashok Rawat,<br>Rajkumar Santoshi
| screenplay    = {{ubl|Ashok Rawat|Rajkumar Santoshi}}
| starring      = [[Manisha Koirala]]<br/>[[Madhuri Dixit]]<br/>[[Jackie Shroff]]<br/>[[Anil Kapoor]]<br/>[[Aarti Chabria]]<br/>[[Mahima Chaudhry]]<br/>[[Rekha]]<br/>[[Sharman Joshi]]<br />[[Ajay Devgn]]
| starring      = {{ubl|[[Manisha Koirala]]|[[Madhuri Dixit]]|[[Jackie Shroff]]|[[Anil Kapoor]]|[[Aarti Chabria]]|[[Mahima Chaudhry]]|[[Rekha]]|[[Sharman Joshi]]|[[Ajay Devgn]]}}
| music          = '''Songs:'''<br>[[Anu Malik]] (6 songs)<br>[[Ilaiyaraaja]] (1 song) <br>'''Background score:'''<br>[[Ilaiyaraaja]]  
| music          = '''Songs:'''<br>[[Anu Malik]] (6 songs)<br>[[Ilaiyaraaja]] (1 song) <br>'''Background score:'''<br>[[Ilaiyaraaja]]  
| cinematography = [[Madhu Ambat]]
| cinematography = [[Madhu Ambat]]
Line 19: Line 19:
| distributor = [[Eros International]] (Worldwide)
| distributor = [[Eros International]] (Worldwide)
| narrator      = [[Bharat Shah]]
| narrator      = [[Bharat Shah]]
| released      = {{start date|df=yes|2001|08|31}}
| released      = {{film date|df=yes|2001|08|31}}
| runtime        = 202 minutes
| runtime        = 202 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Hindi
| language      = Hindi
| budget        = {{INRConvert|22|c}}<ref name=ibos>{{cite web |url=http://ibosnetwork.com/asp/filmbodetails.asp?id=Lajja |title=Lajja – Starcast |publisher=IBoS Network }}</ref>
| budget        = {{INR}}22 crore<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=667|title=Lajja – Movie|publisher=Box Office India}}</ref>
| gross          = {{INRConvert|28|c}}<ref name=ibos/>
| gross          = {{INR}}34,29 crore<ref name="auto"/>
| preceded_by    =
| followed_by    =
}}
}}


'''''Lajja''''' ({{Translation|Shame}}) is a [[Bollywood films of 2001|2001]] Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[crime film|crime]] [[drama film]] produced and directed by [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]. Based on the plight of women and [[feminism]] in India, the film satirizes the honor with which women are placed in society and the restrictions on them. The fact that the four women's names (Maithili, Janki, Ramdulaari, and Vaidehi) are all versions of [[Sita]], the ideal Hindu woman's name, is a message in itself.  
'''''Lajja''''' ({{Translation|Shame}}) is a 2001 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[crime film|crime]] [[drama film]] produced and directed by [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]. Based on the plight of women and [[feminism]] in India, the film satirizes the honor with which women are placed in society and the restrictions imposed on them. The fact that the names of four women (Maithili, Janki, Ramdulaari, and Vaidehi) are all versions of [[Sita]], the ideal Hindu woman's name, is a message in itself.  


The film features [[Manisha Koirala]] in the lead role as Vaidehi, the mistreated woman, while an ensemble cast of [[Jackie Shroff]], [[Anil Kapoor]], [[Mahima Chaudhry]], [[Johnny Lever]], [[Madhuri Dixit]], [[Rekha]], [[Ajay Devgn]], [[Suresh Oberoi]], [[Sharman Joshi]], [[Danny Dengzongpa]], [[Razak Khan]], [[Gulshan Grover]] and [[Aarti Chhabria]] appear in supporting roles. The film failed commercially in India<ref>{{cite web |title=Box Office 2001 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=207&catName=MjAwMQ== |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com |access-date=1 July 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023171325/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=207&catName=MjAwMQ%3D%3D |archive-date=23 October 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> but was a major commercial success in the overseas.<ref name="rediff1">{{cite web |title=Lajja's a hit overseas |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/sep/08raj.htm |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=1 July 2011 |author=Arthur J Pais |date=8 September 2001}}</ref>
The film features [[Manisha Koirala]] in the lead role as Vaidehi, the mistreated woman, while an ensemble cast of [[Rekha]], [[Anil Kapoor]], [[Madhuri Dixit]], [[Ajay Devgn]], [[Jackie Shroff]], [[Mahima Chaudhry]], [[Johnny Lever]], [[Suresh Oberoi]], [[Sharman Joshi]], [[Danny Dengzongpa]], [[Razak Khan]], [[Gulshan Grover]] and [[Aarti Chhabria]] appear in supporting roles.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|title=Lajja (2001) - IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0293342/|language=en-US|access-date=2021-08-05}}</ref> The film failed commercially in India<ref>{{cite web |title=Box Office 2001 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=207&catName=MjAwMQ== |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com |access-date=1 July 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023171325/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=207&catName=MjAwMQ%3D%3D |archive-date=23 October 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> but was a major commercial success in the overseas.<ref name="rediff1">{{cite web |title=Lajja's a hit overseas |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/sep/08raj.htm |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=1 July 2011 |author=Arthur J Pais |date=8 September 2001}}</ref>


At the [[47th Filmfare Awards]], the film was nominated for 3 awards, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]] for Devgn, and [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]] for Rekha and Dixit. The latter also received a nomination for the [[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female]] and eventually won it.
At the [[47th Filmfare Awards]], the film was nominated for 3 awards, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]] for Devgn, and [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]] for Rekha and Dixit. The latter Madhuri Dixit also received a nomination for the [[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female]] and eventually won it.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
Vaidehi is married to the wealthy Raghu. On the outside, she lives a sophisticated life, but behind closed doors, her husband is [[domestic violence|abusive]] and has [[infidelity|extramarital affairs]]. When Vaidehi takes a stand for herself, she is banished from the household. She returns to her parents' house, but they too reject her since their daughter running away from her husband taints their family's reputation. Vaidehi soon finds out that she is pregnant.
Vaidehi is married to the rich Raghu. Outside, she has a sophisticated life but inside, Raghu is [[domestic violence|abusive]] and has [[infidelity|extramarital affairs]]. Later, she is banished from the household. She returns to her parents' house, but they reject her as her running away from Raghu taints their family's reputation. She soon finds out she is pregnant.


Raghu gets into a car accident, leaving him impotent. When he discovers that Vaidehi is pregnant, he calls her, faking remorse, and asks for her to return. Vaidehi agrees, thinking Raghu has mended his ways. In reality, Raghu and his father are plotting for the child to become their heir, and if Vaidehi intervenes, she will be killed. A friend informs Vaidehi of Raghu's true intentions and she escapes from his henchmen. She is helped by Raju, a petty but kindhearted thief. He hears Vaidehi's story and gives her money from a recent heist to help. To hide from Raghu and his henchmen, Vaidehi and Raju gatecrash a wedding procession.
Raghu gets into a car accident and is left impotent. Upon knowing Vaidehi's pregnancy, he calls her, faking remorse, and asks for her to return. She agrees, thinking Raghu has mended his ways. In reality, he and his father plot for the baby to become their heir and if Vaidehi intervenes, she will be killed. A friend informs Vaidehi of Raghu's true intentions and she escapes from his henchmen.


At the wedding, Vaidehi meets Maithili, the bride-to-be, who is from a middle-class family and marrying a man hailing from a rich background. The two women witness the groom's father harassing Maithili's father with demands for an opulent wedding which he cannot afford and forcing him to pay [[dowry]], with his reputation in society being ruined if he fails. Vaidehi tries to convince Raju to give Maithili's father his money from the heist. He initially refuses and is soon forced to escape from the wedding because somebody has recognized him as a gatecrasher. However, changing his mind, he soon returns to give his heist money to Vaidehi. The groom's friend attempts to rape Maithili but is stopped. As the wedding ceremony progresses, one of the guests recognizes the heist money which Raju had stolen from him. Moreover, the groom's friend tells the groom's family that he spotted a man (Raju) in Maithili's room. Maithili is accused of having sexual relations with Raju in return for money, which leads Raju to publicly acknowledge his theft. Having tolerated enough, Maithili insults the groom's family, and they flee from the wedding.
Raju, a petty but kind-hearted thief helps Vaidehi, hears her story and gives her money so that she can go to Haripur. They gatecrash a wedding, Vaidehi meets the bride Maithili, a middle-class girl marrying the groom who is rich. The two see the groom's father Mr. Hazarilal harassing Maithili's father with demands for an opulent wedding which is unaffordable and forcing him to pay [[dowry]], with his reputation in society being ruined if he fails.


Meanwhile, Raghu finds Vaidehi and forces her into going home with him. On the way, they encounter a protest mob. Raghu gets out of the car to investigate, giving Vaidehi the chance to escape. She arrives in the small town of Haripur, where she meets Janki, a theatre actress in love with her colleague. Janki is pregnant, but not married, and does not care for society's norms. The theatre director, Puroshottam, an older man, lusts after Janki, but keeps his wife, Lata, confined to their house. Puroshottam badmouths Janki to her lover, creating a rift between them. Janki's lover asks her to abort the child, as he suspects that he might not be the real father, indirectly accusing Janki of having sexual relations with Purshottam. Janki is outraged and intentionally botches a scene during a performance of the ''[[Ramayan]]''. The angered audience assaults Janki, causing her to suffer a miscarriage. Vaidehi confronts Purshottam, who threatens to call her husband. However, Lata intervenes and puts her on a train at the train station.
Vaidehi tries to convince Raju to give Maithili's father his money from the heist. He refuses and is soon forced to escape as somebody has recognized him as a gatecrasher. Changing his mind, he returns to give his heist money to Vaidehi. The groom's friend Gulshan attempts to rape Maithili but is stopped by Raju. One of the guests Gulab Chand recognizes the heist money which Raju had stolen from him before gatecrashing the wedding.


Vaidehi's train is robbed by bandits but the passengers are saved by Bhulwa, a local [[dacoit]]. Vaidehi faints at the sight of blood, and Bhulwa takes her to the local midwife, Ramdulari. Ramdulari bravely opposes the village leaders Virendra and Gajendra  who exploit innocent women, young and old. When Ramdulaari's educated son Prakash, who is trying to educate the villagers about what Virendra and Gajendra are doing, falls in love with Gajendra's daughter Sushma, tensions escalate. Gajendra locks Ramdulaari in her house and sets out to find Prakash. He also locks away Vaidehi in his home to be rewarded by Raghu by returning her to him. When Prakash runs away with Sushma, Virendra, and Gajendra, along with their goons, rape Ramdulaari and burn her alive. In a fit of rage, Bhulwa and his army kill Virendra and his goons. Vaidehi escapes with Sushma and Prakash.
Moreover, Gulshan tells the groom's family that he spotted Raju in Maithili's room. She is accused of sexual relations with him in return for money, which leads Raju to publicly acknowledge his theft. Maithili insults the groom's family, and they flee from the wedding. Raghu finds and forces Vaidehi into returning home. On the way, they encounter a protest mob. Raghu gets out to investigate thus giving Vaidehi a chance to escape.


Gajendra is attempting to enter politics, so when he is applauded by the local authorities, Vaidehi intervenes and exposes Gajendra as a rapist and fraud. She delivers a heart-wrenching speech how women are only treated as burdens to be married off by their families or ways to get dowry and male heirs by their in-laws. This drives all the women in the audience to assault Gajendra, who is later killed by Bhulwa. The speech changes Raghu's attitude towards Vaidehi and he becomes a better person. The two return to New York City as a proper married couple.
Vaidehi arrives in a small town, Haripur and meets Janki, a theatre actress in love with her colleague, Manish. She is pregnant but not married, and doesn't care for society's norms. The older theatre director Purushottam lusts after Janki, but keeps his younger wife, Lata confined to their house. He badmouths Janki to Manish, creating a rift. Manish asks her to abort the child as he suspects it isn't his, indirectly accusing Janki of sexual relations with Purushottam.


Vaidehi gives birth to a daughter, who is named Ramdulari. She reunites Raju, who is now a taxi driver and married to Maithili. Vaidehi invites him to a charity dance show with Janki in the main role, wherein all the money from her shows goes to fund women's organizations in India.
Outraged, Janki intentionally botches a scene during a performance of the ''[[Ramayan]]''. The angered audience assaults her, causing her to miscarry. Vaidehi confronts Purshottam, who threatens to call Raghu. However, Lata intervenes and puts her on a train at the railway station. Vaidehi's train is robbed by bandits but Bhulwa, a kind-hearted local [[dacoit]] saves the passengers.
 
Vaidehi faints at the sight of blood. Bhulwa takes her to the local midwife Ramdulari who bravely opposes the village leaders Virendra and Gajendra as they exploit innocent women, young and old. Tensions escalate when Ramdulari's educated son Prakash, who tries to educate the villagers about what Virendra and Gajendra are doing, falls in love with Gajendra's daughter Sushma. Gajendra locks Ramdulaari in her house and sets out to find Prakash.
 
He also locks away Vaidehi in his home to be rewarded by Raghu by returning her to him. Prakash elopes with Sushma; whilst Virendra and Gajendra rape and burn Ramdulari alive. In a fit of rage, Bhulwa and his army kill Virendra and his goons, though being severely injured. Vaidehi escapes with Sushma and Prakash. Gajendra attempts to enter politics, so when he is applauded by the local authorities, Vaidehi intervenes and exposes him as a rapist and a murderer.
 
She delivers a heart-wrenching speech how women are only treated as burdens to be married off by their families or ways to get dowry and male heirs by their in-laws. This drives all the women in the audience to assault Gajendra, whom Bhulwa kills later. The speech changes Raghu's attitude for Vaidehi and he turns better. They return to [[New York City]] as a proper married couple.
 
Vaidehi gives birth to a daughter and named her Ramdulari. She reunites with Raju, who is now a taxi driver married to Maithili. Vaidehi invites him to a charity dance show with Janki in the main role, wherein all the money from her shows goes to fund women's organizations in India.


==Cast==
==Cast==
*[[Rekha]] <small>as</small> Ramdulari
*[[Rekha]] as Ramdulaari
*[[Madhuri Dixit]] <small>as</small> Janki
*[[Anil Kapoor]] as Raju, a petty thief
*[[Anil Kapoor]] <small>as</small> Raju
*[[Jackie Shroff]] as Raghu
*[[Manisha Koirala]] <small>as</small> Vaidehi
*[[Ajay Devgan]] as Bhulwa, the dacoit
*[[Ajay Devgn]] <small>as</small> Bhulwa
*[[Madhuri Dixit]] as Janki
*[[Mahima Chaudhry]] <small>as</small> Maithili
*[[Manisha Koirala]] as Vaidehi
*[[Jackie Shroff]] <small>as</small> Raghuveer, aka Raghu
*[[Mahima Chaudhary]] as Maithili
*[[Danny Denzongpa]] <small>as</small> Gajendra
*[[Danny Denzongpa]] as Gajendra Thakur
*[[Gulshan Grover]] <small>as</small> Virender
*[[Gulshan Grover]] as Virendra Thakur
*Nasirr Khan <small>as</small> Gullu
*Nasirr Khan as Gulshan alias Gullu
*[[Aarti Chhabria]] <small>as</small> Sushma, Gajendra's daughter
*[[Aarti Chhabria]] as Sushma Thakur, Gajendra's daughter.
*[[Sharman Joshi]] <small>as</small> Prakash, Ramdulaari's son
*[[Sharman Joshi]] as Prakash, Ramdulaari's son.
*[[Beena Banerjee]] <small>as</small> Vaidehi's mother
*[[Beena Banerjee]] as Vaidehi's mother
*[[Suresh Oberoi]] <small>as</small> Raghuveer's father
*[[Suresh Oberoi]] as Raghu's father
*[[Johnny Lever]] <small>as</small> Fakhruddin, Raghuveer's stooge
*[[Johnny Lever]] as Fakhruddin (Raghu's henchman).
*[[Razak Khan]] <small>as</small> Francis, Raghuveer's stooge
*[[Razak Khan]] as Francis (Raghu's henchman).
*[[Anjan Srivastav]] <small>as</small> Nekchand, Maithili's father
*[[Anjan Srivastav]] as Nekchand, Maithili's father.
*[[Farida Jalal]] <small>as</small> Saroj, Maithili's mother  
*[[Farida Jalal]] as Saroj, Maithili's mother.
*[[Tinu Anand]] <small>as</small> Purshottam
*[[Tinnu Anand]] as Purshottam
*[[Jaya Bhattacharya]] <small>as</small> Lata
*[[Jaya Bhattacharya]] as Lata
*[[Asrani]] <small>as</small> Gulab Chand
*[[Asrani]] as Gulab Chand
*[[Dina Pathak]] <small>as</small> Maithili's paternal aunt
*[[Dina Pathak]] as Maithili's paternal aunt.
*[[Govind Namdeo]] <small>as</small> Hazarilal
*[[Govind Namdeo]] as Mr. Hazarilal
*[[Jagdeep]] <small>as</small> Bansidhar Chakkiwala (cameo)
*[[Jagdeep]] as Bansidhar Chakkiwala (cameo)
*[[Ritu Shivpuri]] <small>as</small> Anita
*[[Ritu Shivpuri]] as Anita
*[[Rohini Hattangadi]] <small>as</small> Mrs. Hazarilal
*[[Rohini Hattangadi]] as Mrs. Hazarilal
*[[Viju Khote]] <small>as</small> Damodar, Brother-in-law of Hazarilal
*[[Viju Khote]] as Damodar, Brother-in-law of Hazarilal.
*[[Ghanashyam Nayak]] <small>as</small> Tiku, Prompter at Purshottam Drama Company
*[[Ghanashyam Nayak]] as Tiku, Prompter at Purshottam Drama Company.
*Suhas Bhalekar <small>as</small> member of Purshottam Drama Company
*[[Suhas Bhalekar]] as member of Purshottam Drama Company.
*[[Samir Soni]] <small>as</small> Manish
*[[Samir Soni]] as Manish
*[[Anupam Shyam]] <small>as</small> Pimp of Prostitute Girls
*[[Anupam Shyam]] as Pimp of Prostitute girls.
*[[Subrat Dutta]]
*[[Subrat Dutta]]
*[[Sonali Bendre]] <small>as</small> [[item number|Special Appearance]] in song "Saajan Ke Ghar Jaana Hai"
*[[Sonali Bendre]] as herself in song "Saajan Ke Ghar Jaana Hai" (special appearance)
*[[Urmila Matondkar]] <small>as</small> [[item number|Special Appearance]] in song "Aaye Aajaye"
*[[Urmila Matondkar]] as herself in song "Aaye Aajaye" (special appearance)
*[[Gopi Bhalla]]


==Music==
==Music==
The songs were mainly composed by [[Anu Malik]]. [[A. R. Rahman]] was initially signed in as the composer; but then he opted out; after he got extremely busy with his international assignment,  ''[[Bombay Dreams]]''.<ref>http://gopalhome.tripod.com/arrbio.html</ref> Then, the background score for the movie was done by [[Illayaraja]]. Lyrics of all songs were also written by [[Sameer (lyricist)|Sameer]], except those of "Kaun Dagar Kaun Shehar", which were written by [[Prasoon Joshi]]. This song was also composed by Illayaraja and was sung by [[Lata Mangeshkar]]. According to the Indian trade website [[Box Office India]], with around 13,00,000 units sold, this film's soundtrack album was the year's fifteenth highest-selling.<ref>{{cite web |title=Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units) |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215081557/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5&PHPSESSID=108b9056cd4ca14236f9c6119d34dcce |archive-date=15 February 2008 |publisher=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref>
The songs were mainly composed by [[Anu Malik]]. [[A. R. Rahman]] was initially signed in as the composer; but then he opted out; after he got extremely busy with his international assignment,  ''[[Bombay Dreams]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://gopalhome.tripod.com/arrbio.html|title=The Complete Biography of A.R.Rahman - the A.R.Rahman Page}}</ref> Then, the background score for the movie was done by [[Illayaraja]]. Lyrics of all songs were also written by [[Sameer (lyricist)|Sameer]], except those of "Kaun Dagar Kaun Shehar", which were written by [[Prasoon Joshi]]. This song was also composed by Illayaraja and was sung by [[Lata Mangeshkar]]. According to the Indian trade website [[Box Office India]], with around 13,00,000 units sold, this film's soundtrack album was the year's fifteenth highest-selling.<ref>{{cite web |title=Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units) |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215081557/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5&PHPSESSID=108b9056cd4ca14236f9c6119d34dcce |archive-date=15 February 2008 |publisher=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref>
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline        = Songs
| headline        = Songs
Line 132: Line 139:
! Year
! Year
! Award
! Award
! Category
! Nominee(s)
! Recipient(s) and nominee(s)
! Category
! Result
! Result
|-
|-
| rowspan = "4"|2002
| rowspan = "4"|2002
| rowspan = "3"|[[Filmfare Awards]]
| rowspan = "3"|[[47th Filmfare Awards]]
| [[Ajay Devgn]]
| [[Ajay Devgn]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
Line 146: Line 153:
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
|-
| [[Madhuri Dixit]]
| rowspan="2"|[[Madhuri Dixit]]
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
|-
| [[Zee Cine Awards]]
| [[Zee Cine Awards]]
| [[Madhuri Dixit]]
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female|Best Supporting Actress]]
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female|Best Supporting Actress]]
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
Line 159: Line 165:
The film received mixed reviews however the performances from the lead actors were highly praised.<ref>{{cite web |title=Film Review – Lajja |url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/Film/Lajja/ |publisher=Planet Bollywood |access-date=1 July 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616182128/http://www.planetbollywood.com/Film/Lajja/ |archive-date=16 June 2011 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Bariana, Sanjeev Singh |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010902/cth2.htm#5 |title=Rekha, Madhuri, Manisha all the way |date=2 September 2001 |access-date=12 December 2011 |newspaper=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]}}</ref>
The film received mixed reviews however the performances from the lead actors were highly praised.<ref>{{cite web |title=Film Review – Lajja |url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/Film/Lajja/ |publisher=Planet Bollywood |access-date=1 July 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616182128/http://www.planetbollywood.com/Film/Lajja/ |archive-date=16 June 2011 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Bariana, Sanjeev Singh |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010902/cth2.htm#5 |title=Rekha, Madhuri, Manisha all the way |date=2 September 2001 |access-date=12 December 2011 |newspaper=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]}}</ref>
   
   
[[Bollywood Hungama]] gave a rating of two and half out of five stars and said "On the whole, Lajja is a purposeful film within commercial parameters and the best part is that the Indian masses will be able to identify with the goings-on. An enviable star cast, a talented director and an excellent second half are amongst its strong points."<ref>{{cite web |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |title=Lajja: Movie Review |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/6794/index.html |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=1 July 2011 |date=29 August 2001}}</ref> ''[[The Hindu]]'' stated "Unfortunately, this colourful film is a black-and-white disappointment, particularly in the second half when Santoshi loses track of his story and in a blatant bid to get the tax-free certificate brings in bits about computer education, female literacy and infanticide.".<ref>{{cite web |title=Film Review: Lajja |url=http://hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2001/09/07/stories/09070223.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=1 July 2011 |date=7 September 2001}}</ref> The [[BBC]] gave a positive review saying "The film is well directed, excellent songs, although they should have had more realistic fights."<ref>{{cite web |last=Virdee |first=Jay |title=Lajja reviewed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/leicester/entertainment/movies/2001_09/14/lajja_review.shtml |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=1 July 2011 |date=30 August 2001}}</ref>
[[Bollywood Hungama]] gave a rating of two and half out of five stars and said "On the whole, Lajja is a purposeful film within commercial parameters and the best part is that the Indian masses will be able to identify with the goings-on. An enviable star cast, a talented director and an excellent second half are amongst its strong points."<ref>{{cite web |last=Adarsh |first=Taran |title=Lajja: Movie Review |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/6794/index.html |publisher=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=1 July 2011 |date=29 August 2001}}</ref> ''[[The Hindu]]'' stated "Unfortunately, this colourful film is a black-and-white disappointment, particularly in the second half when Santoshi loses track of his story and in a blatant bid to get the tax-free certificate brings in bits about computer education, female literacy and infanticide.".<ref>{{cite web |title=Film Review: Lajja |url=http://hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2001/09/07/stories/09070223.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011128200658/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2001/09/07/stories/09070223.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=28 November 2001 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=1 July 2011 |date=7 September 2001}}</ref> The [[BBC]] gave a positive review saying "The film is well directed, excellent songs, although they should have had more realistic fights."<ref>{{cite web |last=Virdee |first=Jay |title=Lajja reviewed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/leicester/entertainment/movies/2001_09/14/lajja_review.shtml |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=1 July 2011 |date=30 August 2001}}</ref>
ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/lajja-review-bollywood-pclukHibejcfj.html|title=Lajja|website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/31lajja.htm|title=rediff.com, Movies: The Lajja review|website=www.rediff.com}}</ref>
ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/lajja-review-bollywood-pclukHibejcfj.html|title=Lajja|website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/31lajja.htm|title=rediff.com, Movies: The Lajja review|website=www.rediff.com}}</ref>


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== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|0293342|Lajja}}
* {{IMDb title|0293342|Lajja}}
* [https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/amp/movie/lajja/critic-review/lajja-movie-review/ ''Lajja''] at [[Bollywood Hungama]]


{{Rajkumar Santoshi}}
{{Rajkumar Santoshi}}
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[[Category:Films about domestic violence]]
[[Category:Films about domestic violence]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films about rape in India]]

Latest revision as of 02:17, 26 June 2022



Lajja
Film poster
Directed byRajkumar Santoshi
Produced byRajkumar Santoshi
Written by
  • Ranjit Kapoor
  • Rajkumar Santoshi (Dialogues)
Screenplay by
  • Ashok Rawat
  • Rajkumar Santoshi
Story by
  • Rajkumar Santoshi
  • Ram (uncredited)
Starring
Narrated byBharat Shah
Music bySongs:
Anu Malik (6 songs)
Ilaiyaraaja (1 song)
Background score:
Ilaiyaraaja
CinematographyMadhu Ambat
Edited byV. N. Mayekar
Production
company
Santoshi Productions
Distributed byEros International (Worldwide)
Release date
  • 31 August 2001 (2001-08-31)
Running time
202 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹22 crore[1]
Box office₹34,29 crore[1]

Lajja (transl. Shame) is a 2001 Indian Hindi-language crime drama film produced and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Based on the plight of women and feminism in India, the film satirizes the honor with which women are placed in society and the restrictions imposed on them. The fact that the names of four women (Maithili, Janki, Ramdulaari, and Vaidehi) are all versions of Sita, the ideal Hindu woman's name, is a message in itself.

The film features Manisha Koirala in the lead role as Vaidehi, the mistreated woman, while an ensemble cast of Rekha, Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Ajay Devgn, Jackie Shroff, Mahima Chaudhry, Johnny Lever, Suresh Oberoi, Sharman Joshi, Danny Dengzongpa, Razak Khan, Gulshan Grover and Aarti Chhabria appear in supporting roles.[2] The film failed commercially in India[3] but was a major commercial success in the overseas.[4]

At the 47th Filmfare Awards, the film was nominated for 3 awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Devgn, and Best Supporting Actress for Rekha and Dixit. The latter Madhuri Dixit also received a nomination for the Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female and eventually won it.

Plot[edit | edit source]

Vaidehi is married to the rich Raghu. Outside, she has a sophisticated life but inside, Raghu is abusive and has extramarital affairs. Later, she is banished from the household. She returns to her parents' house, but they reject her as her running away from Raghu taints their family's reputation. She soon finds out she is pregnant.

Raghu gets into a car accident and is left impotent. Upon knowing Vaidehi's pregnancy, he calls her, faking remorse, and asks for her to return. She agrees, thinking Raghu has mended his ways. In reality, he and his father plot for the baby to become their heir and if Vaidehi intervenes, she will be killed. A friend informs Vaidehi of Raghu's true intentions and she escapes from his henchmen.

Raju, a petty but kind-hearted thief helps Vaidehi, hears her story and gives her money so that she can go to Haripur. They gatecrash a wedding, Vaidehi meets the bride Maithili, a middle-class girl marrying the groom who is rich. The two see the groom's father Mr. Hazarilal harassing Maithili's father with demands for an opulent wedding which is unaffordable and forcing him to pay dowry, with his reputation in society being ruined if he fails.

Vaidehi tries to convince Raju to give Maithili's father his money from the heist. He refuses and is soon forced to escape as somebody has recognized him as a gatecrasher. Changing his mind, he returns to give his heist money to Vaidehi. The groom's friend Gulshan attempts to rape Maithili but is stopped by Raju. One of the guests Gulab Chand recognizes the heist money which Raju had stolen from him before gatecrashing the wedding.

Moreover, Gulshan tells the groom's family that he spotted Raju in Maithili's room. She is accused of sexual relations with him in return for money, which leads Raju to publicly acknowledge his theft. Maithili insults the groom's family, and they flee from the wedding. Raghu finds and forces Vaidehi into returning home. On the way, they encounter a protest mob. Raghu gets out to investigate thus giving Vaidehi a chance to escape.

Vaidehi arrives in a small town, Haripur and meets Janki, a theatre actress in love with her colleague, Manish. She is pregnant but not married, and doesn't care for society's norms. The older theatre director Purushottam lusts after Janki, but keeps his younger wife, Lata confined to their house. He badmouths Janki to Manish, creating a rift. Manish asks her to abort the child as he suspects it isn't his, indirectly accusing Janki of sexual relations with Purushottam.

Outraged, Janki intentionally botches a scene during a performance of the Ramayan. The angered audience assaults her, causing her to miscarry. Vaidehi confronts Purshottam, who threatens to call Raghu. However, Lata intervenes and puts her on a train at the railway station. Vaidehi's train is robbed by bandits but Bhulwa, a kind-hearted local dacoit saves the passengers.

Vaidehi faints at the sight of blood. Bhulwa takes her to the local midwife Ramdulari who bravely opposes the village leaders Virendra and Gajendra as they exploit innocent women, young and old. Tensions escalate when Ramdulari's educated son Prakash, who tries to educate the villagers about what Virendra and Gajendra are doing, falls in love with Gajendra's daughter Sushma. Gajendra locks Ramdulaari in her house and sets out to find Prakash.

He also locks away Vaidehi in his home to be rewarded by Raghu by returning her to him. Prakash elopes with Sushma; whilst Virendra and Gajendra rape and burn Ramdulari alive. In a fit of rage, Bhulwa and his army kill Virendra and his goons, though being severely injured. Vaidehi escapes with Sushma and Prakash. Gajendra attempts to enter politics, so when he is applauded by the local authorities, Vaidehi intervenes and exposes him as a rapist and a murderer.

She delivers a heart-wrenching speech how women are only treated as burdens to be married off by their families or ways to get dowry and male heirs by their in-laws. This drives all the women in the audience to assault Gajendra, whom Bhulwa kills later. The speech changes Raghu's attitude for Vaidehi and he turns better. They return to New York City as a proper married couple.

Vaidehi gives birth to a daughter and named her Ramdulari. She reunites with Raju, who is now a taxi driver married to Maithili. Vaidehi invites him to a charity dance show with Janki in the main role, wherein all the money from her shows goes to fund women's organizations in India.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Music[edit | edit source]

The songs were mainly composed by Anu Malik. A. R. Rahman was initially signed in as the composer; but then he opted out; after he got extremely busy with his international assignment, Bombay Dreams.[5] Then, the background score for the movie was done by Illayaraja. Lyrics of all songs were also written by Sameer, except those of "Kaun Dagar Kaun Shehar", which were written by Prasoon Joshi. This song was also composed by Illayaraja and was sung by Lata Mangeshkar. According to the Indian trade website Box Office India, with around 13,00,000 units sold, this film's soundtrack album was the year's fifteenth highest-selling.[6]

Songs
No.TitleLyricsMusicSingerLength
1."Aaye Aajaye Aa Hi Jaiye"SameerAnu MalikAnuradha Sriram 
2."Badi Mushkil"SameerAnu MalikAlka Yagnik 
3."Jiyo Jiyo"SameerAnu MalikK.K. 
4."Kaliyug Ki Sita"SameerAnu MalikAnuradha Paudwal 
5."Kaliyug Ki Sita" (II)SameerAnu MalikShubha Mudgal 
6."Kaun Dagar Kaun Shehar"Prasoon JoshiIlaiyaraajaLata Mangeshkar 
7."Saajan Ke Ghar Jana Hai"SameerAnu MalikAlka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Richa Sharma 

Awards and nominations[edit | edit source]

Year Award Nominee(s) Category Result
2002 47th Filmfare Awards Ajay Devgn Best Supporting Actor Nominated
Rekha Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Madhuri Dixit Nominated
Zee Cine Awards Best Supporting Actress Won

Reviews[edit | edit source]

The film received mixed reviews however the performances from the lead actors were highly praised.[7][8]

Bollywood Hungama gave a rating of two and half out of five stars and said "On the whole, Lajja is a purposeful film within commercial parameters and the best part is that the Indian masses will be able to identify with the goings-on. An enviable star cast, a talented director and an excellent second half are amongst its strong points."[9] The Hindu stated "Unfortunately, this colourful film is a black-and-white disappointment, particularly in the second half when Santoshi loses track of his story and in a blatant bid to get the tax-free certificate brings in bits about computer education, female literacy and infanticide.".[10] The BBC gave a positive review saying "The film is well directed, excellent songs, although they should have had more realistic fights."[11] ref>[12][13]

Box office[edit | edit source]

Lajja failed commercially at the box office in India due to high budget and distribution price. However it tasted success overseas. It ranked 14th on the British box-office chart, according to the International Movie Database.[4]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Lajja – Movie". Box Office India.
  2. ↑ Lajja (2001) - IMDb, retrieved 5 August 2021
  3. ↑ "Box Office 2001". Boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Arthur J Pais (8 September 2001). "Lajja's a hit overseas". Rediff. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  5. ↑ "The Complete Biography of A.R.Rahman - the A.R.Rahman Page".
  6. ↑ "Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units)". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 15 February 2008.
  7. ↑ "Film Review – Lajja". Planet Bollywood. Archived from the original on 16 June 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  8. ↑ Bariana, Sanjeev Singh (2 September 2001). "Rekha, Madhuri, Manisha all the way". The Tribune. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  9. ↑ Adarsh, Taran (29 August 2001). "Lajja: Movie Review". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  10. ↑ "Film Review: Lajja". The Hindu. 7 September 2001. Archived from the original on 28 November 2001. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  11. ↑ Virdee, Jay (30 August 2001). "Lajja reviewed". BBC. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  12. ↑ "Lajja". Sify.
  13. ↑ "rediff.com, Movies: The Lajja review". www.rediff.com.

External links[edit | edit source]

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