The film follows the life of (Smita Patil), tracing her journey from a vivacious teenager to a disillusioned middle-aged woman. Benegal utilizes a sophisticated non-linear narrative , alternating between Usha’s present in color and her past in black-and-white or sepia tones.
The film is based on Sangtye Aika, the memoirs of the 1940s Marathi stage and screen actress Hansa Wadkar. It follows the life of (played by Smita Patil), a talented actress who is forced into show business by her family at a young age.
Usha's life is marked by a series of exploitative relationships with men, including her husband, Keshav Dalvi (Amol Palekar), who remains financially dependent on her while acting as her "business manager".
Since there are two distinct and well-known films with this title, I have provided details for both to ensure you find what you are looking for.
is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Indian parallel cinema. It is a seminal film by director Shyam Benegal.
The title Bhumika (meaning "Role") refers not just to the characters Usha plays on screen, but to the rigid societal roles—daughter, wife, mother, mistress—she is forced to inhabit in real life.