Lajja(2001)
Lajja is a 2001 Indian Hindi-language crime drama film directed and produced by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film stars Manisha Koirala, Madhuri Dixit, Rekha, and Mahima Chaudhry in lead roles, with Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Jackie Shroff, and Danny Denzongpa in supporting parts. The narrative follows four women from different backgrounds who each endure systemic abuse and oppression in Indian society. Vaidehi flees her abusive husband, Janki faces public shaming for an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, Ramdulari fights a corrupt village leader, and Maithili resists dowry demands. The film uses these intersecting stories to critique patriarchal norms and honor-based violence. It received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for the performances of its female cast. Lajja was a commercial failure in India but performed well overseas. It was nominated for three Filmfare Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for both Rekha and Madhuri Dixit. The film was released on 31 August 2001.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, MX Player, Eros Now
- Theatrical Release
- 19 September 2001
- Director
- Rajkumar Santoshi
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 3h 22m
- Rating
- 6.2/10
Storyline
Vaidehi is a wealthy NRI wife who escapes her abusive husband Raghu. Pregnant and alone, she travels across India and meets three other women — Janki, Ramdulari, and Maithili — each fighting their own battle against a society that treats women as property. Together, they inspire each other to stand up and demand justice.
“Four women. One fight. No shame.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Lajja
Cast reunions in this film: Jackie Shroff & Gulshan Grover (21 films together), Madhuri Dixit & Anil Kapoor (16 films together), Jackie Shroff & Manisha Koirala (12 films together), Jackie Shroff & Anil Kapoor (11 films together), Gulshan Grover & Anil Kapoor (10 films together), and Gulshan Grover & Ajay Devgan (10 films together).
Trivia
- The film was originally planned with Aishwarya Rai in the lead role, but she was replaced by Manisha Koirala.
- The movie's title song 'Lajja' was composed by Anu Malik but sung by his sister Anuradha Paudwal.
- It was one of the few films where Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, and Manisha Koirala shared the screen together.
- Director Rajkumar Santoshi shot the film in real villages of Rajasthan to capture authentic settings.
- The film faced criticism for its strong feminist themes and was not a major box office success.
- Anil Kapoor made a special appearance in the song 'Badi Mushkil Hai', which became popular.
- The script was inspired by multiple real-life stories of women facing oppression in Indian society.