Mandira Bedi, Renuka Shahane, Neena Gupta: These strong women characters in the 90's redefined Indian television

Much before films, Indian television shows were the first to showcase strong women characters which helped in changing the perspective of the common man. With TV shows like Shanti, Tara female played the lead roles in the shows and showcased the strong side of women. Back in the '90s, many daily soaps portrayed women as bold and outspoken about their choices and needs. On this International Women's day, here's looking back at some of the strong women characters from the 90's -

Shanti show which featured Mandira Bedi in the lead role focused on an aspiring journalist who would not take no for an answer. While writing the biography of two friends from Bollywood's biggest production house, Shanti discovers their dark past including the fact that one of them could be her father.

In Kora Kagaz, Renuka Shahane played the role of Pooja who was abandoned by her husband. The story shows how Pooja gets the courage to stand on her feet after being thrown out of the house. The lead role was essayed by Renuka Shahane. And it was a hit in no time. It was progressive as it dealt with the challenges that Pooja puts up as a woman, demanding her rights.

Popular TV actress Neena Gupta played the lead role of Priya in Saans show. The story of the show was based on an extra-marital affair which breaks stereotypes during the '90s. In the show, Priya's husband finds companionship in another woman. The show traces the journey of Priya who faces several challenges and still chooses to build her own identity.

Television popular actress Navneet Nishant played the lead role of Tara in Tara show. The story of the show revolved around Tara's trials and tribulations as an urban woman, who tried to strike a perfect balance between her work and personal life. The show even showed the lives of her three other friends - Kanchan, Arzoo and Sheena.

Swaabhimaan show spoke about the story of an attractive woman Svetlana played by Kitu Gidwani, who finds herself in a battle where there are no real winners. Kitu Gidwani, played a mistress on the show, whose tycoon patron Keshav Malhotra played by Naasir Abdulah dies leaving her to cope with the ugly aftermath of the tragedy.