- By Swati Singh
- Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:15 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A 1997 Bollywood movie shocked the audience to core after its release in theatres. The film in discussion was Aastha: In the Prison of Spring, which crossed every line in terms of nudity, intimacy, among other subjects. At a time when mainstream Hindi cinema largely avoided sensitive and controversial subjects, Aastha dared to explore themes that were considered taboo. The movie was directed by Basu Bhattacharya and it openly addressed female desire, emotional dissatisfaction within marriage and the harsh realities of prostitution.
Such topics were rarely portrayed so directly during the 1990s, making the film stand out for its fearless storytelling. Its intimate scenes and bold narrative sparked intense discussions, curiosity, and debate, turning it into one of the most talked-about and controversial releases of its era.
Aastha starred Rekha in the lead role, while Om Puri and Naveen Nischol play pivotal roles. In the film, Mansi is portrayed as a middle-class housewife caught in emotional turmoil and unfulfilled desires, while Om Puri plays her loving yet financially struggling husband, Amar. Naveen Nischol’s key role adds further depth to the story.
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Rekha’s casting drew major attention as she stepped away from her glamorous image to take on a bold, layered character that demanded strong emotional intensity. Her powerful performance broke stereotypes, pushed boundaries and became one of the film’s most memorable highlights.
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The bold scenes featuring Rekha and Naveen Nischol became a major topic of discussion upon the film’s release. Many felt that the movie crossed limits rarely explored by mainstream Hindi cinema at the time. Its frank and fearless portrayal of intimacy sparked widespread debate around morality, censorship, and the evolving nature of storytelling in Bollywood.