Women's Day Special: Whenever there is talk of female directors in the history of Indian cinema, Fatma Begum's name is first taken. Born in 1892, a Urdu -speaking Muslim family, Fatma Begum not only became India's first female film director, but she also established her own identity in a male dominated industry. Her courage and foresight not only gave new direction to Indian cinema, but also opened the way for women filmmakers of generations to come.

Fatma Begum started her career with theater and made her own identity in the acting world. He stepped into the field of film production challenging the traditional thinking of society. By establishing her own production company 'Fatima Films' in 1926, she proved that women can create history not only on screen, but also behind the camera.

Travel from theater to cinema

Fatma Begum, who has been interested in art since childhood, started her acting career in Urdu theater. It was not acceptable in the society to act at that era, but they proved their talent by breaking these stereotypes. Although there were many speculation about his personal life, he never allowed his career to be impressed by it.

Strong appearance in films

Fatma Begum started her film career in 1922 with 'Veer Abhimanyu', directed by Ardeshir Irani. At that time when men played the role of women, Fatma Begum established herself on the strength of her talent. In 1924, he made a strong presence in the film industry by working in films like 'Sati Sardaba', 'Prithvi Vallabh', 'Kala Nag' and 'Gul-e-Bakavali'.

India's first female director's pride

In 1926, Fatma Begum founded the distinction of becoming the first female director of India by establishing 'Fatima Films'. Later, this production company was named 'Victoria-Fatma Films'. His first directed film 'Bulbul-e-Paristan' proved to be a big hit. However, unfortunately no print of this film is available now, but the film became an inspiration for fantasy style films in Indian cinema.

Example of women empowerment

Fatma Begum created a strong character for women in cinema, which was rarely seen in that era. With the direction of films like 'Gods of Love' (1927) and 'Shakuntala' (1929), he proved that women are not only a symbol of beauty on screen, but also entitled to strong characters. Although his studio was closed due to legal problems in 1929, but his legacy is still intact today.

Fatma Begum's legacy remained immortal

Fatma Begum's daughter Zubaida also played an important role in Indian cinema like her mother and starred in India's first speaking film 'Alam Ara' (1931). Fatma Begum died in 1983 at the age of 91, but her contribution will always be remembered in Indian cinema. She was not just a director, but also a symbol of women empowerment.