Screening of the Hindi film Dor (2006)

Chandigarh, March 11, 2026: As part of the week-long celebrations of International Women’s Day, the Department of Women’s Studies at Panjab University organised a screening of the Hindi film Dor (2006) today. 

The screening was attended by faculty members, research scholars, and students, creating a thoughtful space for collective reflection and dialogue on women’s lives, struggles, and solidarities. The event was organised to encourage students to engage with issues of gender, social norms, purdah, and women’s lived experiences through cinema, while creating a space for critical reflection and dialogue.

Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, Dor narrates the story of two women from different social and cultural contexts whose lives intersect following a tragic accident. Through their journeys, the film explores themes of freedom and restriction, friendship, and the social expectations imposed on women, while highlighting their strength and resilience in navigating patriarchal structures.

The screening was attended by students from various departments who actively participated in the event. After the film concluded, a discussion session was held, moderated by Prof. Manvinder Kaur and Prof. Rajesh Chander.

The discussion focused on the contrasting lives of the two female protagonists: one representing relative freedom and autonomy, while the other remained bound by rigid traditions and societal expectations. The participants reflected on themes such as the objectification of women, the notion of women as the ‘honour’ or dignity of the household and society, and the maltreatment of women following the death of their husbands.

The discussion also highlighted how ideas of dignity and morality often shift according to patriarchal convenience. It further focused on how the film portrays the breaking of stereotypes and highlights the strength of women standing for one another despite differences in culture, region, and religion. The participants reflected on the ways in which the film shows women’s solidarity and empathy as powerful tools of resistance against rigid patriarchal structures.

In addition, students examined the film’s portrayal of the vulnerabilities faced by international migrant labourers and appreciated its sensitive depiction of communal harmony, as the narrative presented bonds of empathy and friendship that transcend religious identities. Participants further reflected on the theme of widowhood and its social consequences, particularly how it transforms women’s roles and identities within the family and community.

In the discussion, it was also emphasized that breaking gender stereotypes requires collective effort, stating that both men and women together must challenge and transform patriarchal norms in society.