Fire is a 1996 Indo-Canadian drama directed by Deepa Mehta, featuring Shabana Azmi as Radha and Nandita Das as Sita. Set in New Delhi, the film explores the lives of two women trapped in unfulfilling marriages within a traditional joint family. Radha is married to Ashok, who, influenced by a religious preacher, has taken a vow of celibacy, leaving Radha isolated and yearning for affection. Sita, newly married to Jatin, discovers that her husband is indifferent towards her and maintains an extramarital affair. As both women grapple with loneliness and societal constraints, they find solace and love in each other, leading to a profound and transformative relationship.
Upon its release, “Fire” garnered critical acclaim for its bold portrayal of same-sex relationships and its critique of patriarchal norms in Indian society. However, the film also faced significant controversy and opposition, particularly in India, where its depiction of a lesbian relationship sparked protests and debates about freedom of expression and LGBTQ+ representation in cinema. Despite the challenges, “Fire” is recognized as a pioneering work that opened conversations about sexuality, desire, and women’s autonomy in conservative cultural contexts.
