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| country = India | | country = India | ||
| language = Hindi | | language = Hindi | ||
| budget = {{ | | 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 = {{ | | gross = {{INR}}34,29 crore<ref name="auto"/> | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Lajja''''' ({{Translation|Shame}}) is a | '''''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 [[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> | 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 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 | 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 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. | 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 | 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 attempts to rape Maithili but is stopped. One of the guests recognizes the heist money which Raju had stolen from him. | 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, | 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. 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 wife, Lata confined to their house. He badmouths Janki to | 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. | 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's train is robbed by bandits but Bhulwa, a 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. | 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 | 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. The speech changes Raghu's attitude for Vaidehi and he turns better. They return to [[New York City]]. | 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 | 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]] as Ramdulaari | |||
*[[Anil Kapoor]] as Raju, a petty thief | |||
*[[Rekha]] | *[[Jackie Shroff]] as Raghu | ||
*[[ | *[[Ajay Devgan]] as Bhulwa, the dacoit | ||
*[[ | *[[Madhuri Dixit]] as Janki | ||
*[[ | *[[Manisha Koirala]] as Vaidehi | ||
*[[ | *[[Mahima Chaudhary]] as Maithili | ||
*[[ | *[[Danny Denzongpa]] as Gajendra Thakur | ||
*[[ | *[[Gulshan Grover]] as Virendra Thakur | ||
*[[Danny Denzongpa]] | *Nasirr Khan as Gulshan alias Gullu | ||
*[[Gulshan Grover]] | *[[Aarti Chhabria]] as Sushma Thakur, Gajendra's daughter. | ||
*Nasirr Khan | *[[Sharman Joshi]] as Prakash, Ramdulaari's son. | ||
*[[Aarti Chhabria]] | *[[Beena Banerjee]] as Vaidehi's mother | ||
*[[Sharman Joshi]] | *[[Suresh Oberoi]] as Raghu's father | ||
*[[Beena Banerjee]] | *[[Johnny Lever]] as Fakhruddin (Raghu's henchman). | ||
*[[Suresh Oberoi]] | *[[Razak Khan]] as Francis (Raghu's henchman). | ||
*[[Johnny Lever]] | *[[Anjan Srivastav]] as Nekchand, Maithili's father. | ||
*[[Razak Khan]] | *[[Farida Jalal]] as Saroj, Maithili's mother. | ||
*[[Anjan Srivastav]] | *[[Tinnu Anand]] as Purshottam | ||
*[[Farida Jalal]] | *[[Jaya Bhattacharya]] as Lata | ||
*[[ | *[[Asrani]] as Gulab Chand | ||
*[[Jaya Bhattacharya]] | *[[Dina Pathak]] as Maithili's paternal aunt. | ||
*[[Asrani]] | *[[Govind Namdeo]] as Mr. Hazarilal | ||
*[[Dina Pathak]] | *[[Jagdeep]] as Bansidhar Chakkiwala (cameo) | ||
*[[Govind Namdeo]] | *[[Ritu Shivpuri]] as Anita | ||
*[[Jagdeep]] | *[[Rohini Hattangadi]] as Mrs. Hazarilal | ||
*[[Ritu Shivpuri]] | *[[Viju Khote]] as Damodar, Brother-in-law of Hazarilal. | ||
*[[Rohini Hattangadi]] | *[[Ghanashyam Nayak]] as Tiku, Prompter at Purshottam Drama Company. | ||
*[[Viju Khote]] | *[[Suhas Bhalekar]] as member of Purshottam Drama Company. | ||
*[[Ghanashyam Nayak]] | *[[Samir Soni]] as Manish | ||
*Suhas Bhalekar | *[[Anupam Shyam]] as Pimp of Prostitute girls. | ||
*[[Samir Soni]] | |||
*[[Anupam Shyam]] | |||
*[[Subrat Dutta]] | *[[Subrat Dutta]] | ||
*[[Sonali Bendre]] | *[[Sonali Bendre]] as herself in song "Saajan Ke Ghar Jaana Hai" (special appearance) | ||
*[[Urmila Matondkar]] | *[[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 | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| 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 168: | 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> | ||
| Line 179: | Line 176: | ||
== 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}} | ||
| Line 194: | Line 192: | ||
[[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 by | Rajkumar Santoshi |
| Produced by | Rajkumar Santoshi |
| Written by |
|
| Screenplay by |
|
| Story by |
|
| Starring | |
| Narrated by | Bharat Shah |
| Music by | Songs: Anu Malik (6 songs) Ilaiyaraaja (1 song) Background score: Ilaiyaraaja |
| Cinematography | Madhu Ambat |
| Edited by | V. N. Mayekar |
Production company | Santoshi Productions |
| Distributed by | Eros International (Worldwide) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 202 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| 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]
- Rekha as Ramdulaari
- Anil Kapoor as Raju, a petty thief
- Jackie Shroff as Raghu
- Ajay Devgan as Bhulwa, the dacoit
- Madhuri Dixit as Janki
- Manisha Koirala as Vaidehi
- Mahima Chaudhary as Maithili
- Danny Denzongpa as Gajendra Thakur
- Gulshan Grover as Virendra Thakur
- Nasirr Khan as Gulshan alias Gullu
- Aarti Chhabria as Sushma Thakur, Gajendra's daughter.
- Sharman Joshi as Prakash, Ramdulaari's son.
- Beena Banerjee as Vaidehi's mother
- Suresh Oberoi as Raghu's father
- Johnny Lever as Fakhruddin (Raghu's henchman).
- Razak Khan as Francis (Raghu's henchman).
- Anjan Srivastav as Nekchand, Maithili's father.
- Farida Jalal as Saroj, Maithili's mother.
- Tinnu Anand as Purshottam
- Jaya Bhattacharya as Lata
- Asrani as Gulab Chand
- Dina Pathak as Maithili's paternal aunt.
- Govind Namdeo as Mr. Hazarilal
- Jagdeep as Bansidhar Chakkiwala (cameo)
- Ritu Shivpuri as Anita
- Rohini Hattangadi as Mrs. Hazarilal
- Viju Khote as Damodar, Brother-in-law of Hazarilal.
- Ghanashyam Nayak as Tiku, Prompter at Purshottam Drama Company.
- Suhas Bhalekar as member of Purshottam Drama Company.
- Samir Soni as Manish
- Anupam Shyam as Pimp of Prostitute girls.
- Subrat Dutta
- Sonali Bendre as herself in song "Saajan Ke Ghar Jaana Hai" (special appearance)
- Urmila Matondkar as herself in song "Aaye Aajaye" (special appearance)
- Gopi Bhalla
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]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Singer | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Aaye Aajaye Aa Hi Jaiye" | Sameer | Anu Malik | Anuradha Sriram | |
| 2. | "Badi Mushkil" | Sameer | Anu Malik | Alka Yagnik | |
| 3. | "Jiyo Jiyo" | Sameer | Anu Malik | K.K. | |
| 4. | "Kaliyug Ki Sita" | Sameer | Anu Malik | Anuradha Paudwal | |
| 5. | "Kaliyug Ki Sita" (II) | Sameer | Anu Malik | Shubha Mudgal | |
| 6. | "Kaun Dagar Kaun Shehar" | Prasoon Joshi | Ilaiyaraaja | Lata Mangeshkar | |
| 7. | "Saajan Ke Ghar Jana Hai" | Sameer | Anu Malik | Alka 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]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Lajja – Movie". Box Office India.
- ↑ Lajja (2001) - IMDb, retrieved 5 August 2021
- ↑ "Box Office 2001". Boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Arthur J Pais (8 September 2001). "Lajja's a hit overseas". Rediff. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
- ↑ "The Complete Biography of A.R.Rahman - the A.R.Rahman Page".
- ↑ "Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units)". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 15 February 2008.
- ↑ "Film Review – Lajja". Planet Bollywood. Archived from the original on 16 June 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
- ↑ Bariana, Sanjeev Singh (2 September 2001). "Rekha, Madhuri, Manisha all the way". The Tribune. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
- ↑ Adarsh, Taran (29 August 2001). "Lajja: Movie Review". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
- ↑ "Film Review: Lajja". The Hindu. 7 September 2001. Archived from the original on 28 November 2001. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
- ↑ Virdee, Jay (30 August 2001). "Lajja reviewed". BBC. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
- ↑ "Lajja". Sify.
- ↑ "rediff.com, Movies: The Lajja review". www.rediff.com.
External links[edit | edit source]
- Lajja on IMDb
- Lajja at Bollywood Hungama