The real and reel-life definition of a good mother is a woman who makes all the sacrifices, picks up after her kids, lets go of her desires, and forgets about her identity. The pop culture references also portray her as someone who works round-the-clock like a superhuman without experiencing tiredness or vocalising her thoughts in the house.
But with Netflix’s ‘Darlings’, we noticed a shift in this portrayal. Shamshun, played by Shefali Shah, was a bold and unapologetic mother who gave two hoots of what society had to say. She was opinionated, independent, accepting, and fierce.
With HerZindagi’s Good Mother Project, we bring you stories of mothers who have broken stereotypes and Shamshun impeccably fits that profile. Though a reel character, she was relatable to women who have survived domestic violence and raised kids as single parents.
Shamshun is among a few reel characters who have redefined motherhood. She was able to change the landscape of portrayal of sacrificing, sad, and cornered mothers to bold, assertive and independent ones. Here is decoding her character from the point of view of a modern woman.
Not Just A Regular Mother
View this post on Instagram
We get introduced to Shamshun after Badrunissa Sheikh, played by Alia Bhatt, gets beaten by her husband Hamza Sheikh, played by Vijay Verma. She noticed the bruises on Badru’s neck and asked her the reason for another such incident to which she replied that a stone was cooked with the dish she prepared last night.
Though initially, Shamshun scolded her for being absent-minded while cleaning pulses and rice, the next moment, she asked Badru to leave for Hamza. From Badru’s reaction, it was evident that her mother did not suggest separation for the first time.
Even though living in a small studio space, Shamshun did not think twice before asking her daughter to get divorced. In a country where a woman is often told to compromise and adjust throughout her life, there is this woman who is continuously telling her daughter that a better life awaits her. She was always telling her that men like Hamza do not change for anyone.
In many scenes, Shamshun tried to make her daughter understand her worth with her witty replies. She stood by her even when she wanted to make her marriage work and change Hamza, but she also maintained a safe distance from him.
Given he was her son-in-law, Shamshun never shied away from showing her disgust, anger, and disappointment for him. With her body language, she always made it clear that he was not welcome in her world, and if it was not for Badru, she would have no obligation to bear him.
Authoritative & Impactful
View this post on Instagram
When Zulfi, played by Roshan Mathew, Badru’s cousin, filed a complaint against Hamza for beating her brutally, both mother-daughter duo reached the police station. Shamshum almost managed to convince Badru to file a complaint against Hamza and let him rot in jail for three years.
When Badru wanted to talk to Hamza one last time, Shamshun asked herself under her breath why men become devils after drinking alcohol. The policeman replied that it is women who allow men to be violent. This smallest exchange between the two characters showed how prominent are the cases of domestic violence in India.
This small exchange also hinted that Shamshun had also been a victim of it and could not see her daughter in that condition. When Badru took her complaint back, she tried to reason with her and told her that Hamza was unlike her Abbu. At the time, she was oblivious to the reality of her missing father. She assumed that since he did not love Shamshun, therefore he left her.
When Badru, Hamza, and Shamshun were returning in a taxi, Hamza misbehaved with Shamshun. She aggressively retaliates, yet he continued and ended up slapping across her face. As the blood started dripping from her nose, Shamshun asked the driver to immediately stop the car.
She stepped out and asked Badru that she must choose between her mother and her husband. Badru’s hesitation made Shamshun angry and hurtful, but she also knew when to back out. She was a woman who was done being the victim of violence.
She was a mother, but even her child was not above her self-respect. Even though she loved Badru more than anything in the world, she decided to cut ties with her.
Hamza’s slap on Shamshun’s face was triggering for her as it made her relieve a part of her past that she had forgotten. She washed her face, dusted herself off and picked herself up. At the time, she was not speaking to Badru, she decided to start her tiffin business with the help of Zulfi. Instead of sulking, she thought about becoming financially independent.
Don't Miss: Samantha Ruth Prabhu Cheers Up Women In A New Ad; Watch Video
Bold & Supportive
View this post on Instagram
Being a survivor of domestic violence, Shamshun knew that a perpetrator does not let their victim leave so easily. Her experience had taught her that unless the perpetrator dies, the victim cannot attain freedom. Hence, when Badru tied Hamza in their house and asked her for Ammi’s help, Shamshun’s immediate advice was to kill him off.
It is important to note here that the last violent act of Hamza caused Badru’s miscarriage. She lost a child she had been dreaming to welcome into the world for so long. She thought that death would a quick punishment and wanted to torture him as much as he did to her.
In another scene, where the police were trying to find Hamza, they thought that Badru was having an extramarital affair with Zulfi. However, to everyone’s surprise, he accepted that he liked Shamshun. The bold and charismatic woman that Shashun was, she kissed him, well aware of the fact that he was way younger than her.
While romance was not an emphasis in Shamshun’s storyline, her acceptance of Zulfi’s love was like a ray of sunshine in her life. She was a mother with a married daughter who just lost her baby, yet she did not think of what the world would say about dating a much younger man.
Having been through a traumatised marriage, Shamshun knew that Badru had only her. Therefore, when she decided to kill Hamza and make it look like an accident, Shamshun was all up for it. She helped her plan and execute it without getting a single frown on her head.
Her unconditional support was the only thing that gave Badru the strength all this while. Later in the car, Shamshun’s reaction to the accidental death of Hamza made Badru realise that her mother was a survivor of domestic violence. However, in an unfortunate incident, she accidentally killed her husband and went to Kasim Kasai for help.
Despite her past, Shamshun never let Badru become weak. She single-handedly raised her child, became financially independent, and despite living in an orthodox and stereotypical society, she stood for what was right.
Don't Miss: 5 Bollywood Female Friendships We All Wish For IRL
Unlike many other reel characters, Shamshun was not an ‘abla naari’ but a fierce lioness who lived her life by her rules. She had her identity and did not let anyone define her path. If you found it interesting, tell us in the Facebook comments which character according to you redefined the definition of motherhood. Stay tuned to HerZindagi for more such stories.
Recommended Video
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation