The Female Gaze in Love: Why Women’s Perspectives Are Missing in Romantic Songs

Bollywood’s romantic songs have etched their melodies into the hearts of millions, capturing the euphoria and agony of love. However, a closer look reveals an undeniable truth: the narratives overwhelmingly revolve around the male gaze. This means that love, as seen through Bollywood’s lyrical lens, primarily reflects male desires, emotions, and perspectives, leaving the female voice largely unexplored.In an industry where songs often dictate cultural discourse, the absence of the female gaze is not merely a gap in representation but a broader commentary on societal norms and gender dynamics. Over time, while some progress has been made, this imbalance persists, leaving us to question why women's voices in love stories remain on the sidelines. Bollywood has traditionally portrayed love from a male-centric viewpoint. Classic romantic songs like “Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu” (Aradhana, 1969) encapsulate the male fantasy of a perfect woman who exists solely to fulfill his dreams. The lyrics are less about her individuality and more about how she completes him.
Even heartbreak is narrated almost exclusively through male emotions. Songs such as “Channa Mereya” (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, 2016) or “Tadap Tadap” (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, 1999) are poignant examples of men processing rejection and unrequited love. These songs rarely delve into how the women involved feel about these situations, thereby reinforcing the idea that men are the primary carriers of romantic anguish.
While Bollywood heroines sing about love, their narratives are often confined to male-created archetypes. For example, in “Piya Tose Naina Laage Re” (Guide, 1965), the woman sings of her devotion to her lover, but the lyrics lack an exploration of her deeper aspirations or agency. Similarly, songs like “Lag Jaa Gale” (Woh Kaun Thi, 1964) portray a romantic longing that is beautiful but one-dimensional, as it is written through a lens that caters to male interpretations of love.
Even in contemporary Bollywood, female voices often serve to echo or complement male-centric narratives. Rarely do they express an independent, nuanced perspective on love, desire, or heartbreak.

The emergence of rap in Bollywood has amplified male narratives in romantic contexts while largely sidelining the female perspective. Songs like “Apna Time Aayega” (Gully Boy, 2019) or “Makhna” (Drive, 2018) illustrate themes of male dominance, rebellion, and self-expression. These tracks are unapologetically raw, showcasing unfiltered emotions of ambition and identity, but when addressing relationships or love, they continue to reflect a distinctly male gaze. This perpetuates a pattern where men are the storytellers and their feelings are the focal point, leaving women’s perspectives absent or peripheral.

Rap as a genre emphasizes personal experiences, and in Bollywood, these experiences have predominantly been framed around men—whether celebrating their individuality or delving into their emotional struggles. Even in tracks that touch upon vulnerability, such as “Doori” (Gully Boy, 2019), the narrative centers on the man’s emotional isolation and challenges. While such introspection is valuable, it lacks a shared or balanced portrayal of relationships, as the woman’s perspective remains absent.
When women are mentioned in these tracks, they are often idealized, objectified, or positioned as motivators for the male protagonist’s journey. This reinforces the idea of women existing as supporting characters in the male narrative rather than as equal participants with their own experiences of love and relationships. For instance, even romantic rap moments rarely explore what a woman might feel, think, or experience within that context.

The dominance of the male gaze in Bollywood music mirrors patriarchal societal structures. For decades, Indian society has upheld traditional gender roles, with men as the decision-makers and women as the nurturers. This ideology seeps into art and media, shaping narratives where men actively pursue or lament love, while women passively respond or validate those emotions.
Additionally, the male-dominated nature of Bollywood’s creative teams—lyricists, composers, and directors—has perpetuated these imbalances. With few women in positions of creative authority, the female gaze has struggled to find its place in mainstream music.

Despite the overwhelming male dominance, Bollywood has produced songs that subtly or explicitly embody the female gaze.
Songs of Vulnerability and Desire
Tracks like “Agar Tum Saath Ho” (Tamasha, 2015) offer a rare glimpse into a woman’s pain and vulnerability. Deepika Padukone’s character pleads for emotional connection, making it one of the few songs to deeply explore a female perspective on love.
Expressions of Independence
Songs such as “Dhaakad” (Dangal, 2016) and “Patakha Guddi” (Highway, 2014) celebrate women’s autonomy, though they focus more on broader themes of empowerment than romantic relationships.
Modern Love Stories
Films like Geet from Jab We Met (2007) hint at a more equal portrayal of love, where the heroine takes charge of her narrative. However, these instances remain sparse compared to the male-dominated narratives.
The inclusion of the female gaze in Bollywood music is not just about representation; it enriches storytelling by offering diverse viewpoints. Love is a universal experience, but how it is perceived, processed, and expressed varies greatly between genders. By incorporating women’s perspectives, Bollywood can challenge stereotypes and create more relatable, multifaceted depictions of love.
Additionally, balanced narratives resonate more deeply with audiences. A song that captures both partners’ emotions in a relationship becomes not just a melody but a mirror to real-life experiences.

“Tera Ban Jaunga” (Kabir Singh, 2019): A male’s devotion dominates the narrative, reflecting traditional romantic tropes.
“Pehla Nasha” (Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, 1992): A universally loved song, but it primarily focuses on a man’s first flush of love.
“Ruk Ja O Dil Deewane” (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, 1995): A playful take on a man pursuing a woman, highlighting his perspective exclusively.
“Dhunki” (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, 2011): A rare portrayal of a carefree woman expressing her feelings through song, albeit within the male-created framework.

• Empowering Female Creators: Bollywood needs more female lyricists, composers, and directors to bring authenticity to women’s narratives. Artists like Anvita Dutt (Queen) and Kausar Munir (Tanu Weds Manu Returns) have begun to make an impact, but their contributions are still limited in number.
• Collaborative Storytelling: By crafting songs that intertwine male and female perspectives, Bollywood can create more balanced and relatable love stories.
• Encouraging Authenticity: Songs should reflect real, raw emotions from both genders rather than adhering to formulaic tropes.

The absence of the female gaze in Bollywood romantic songs reflects broader societal imbalances, but the tide is slowly turning. By embracing women’s perspectives, Bollywood has the potential to create richer, more inclusive depictions of love that resonate with modern audiences.
Love is not one-sided, and neither should its stories be. As Bollywood evolves, it must ensure that its music celebrates the voices of all lovers, making space for every heart to sing its song.