Sita ka vanvas abhi khatam nahin hua.

That is director Rajkumar Santoshi's statement in Lajja, which hits the screens Friday, August 31, 2001.

Santoshi recalls how a story he saw in a newspaper inspired him: "I remember reading about this woman who was was gangraped only because her son dared to marry an upper caste girl."

Santoshi visited Bhavanipur, a remote village on the outskirts of Kanpur, where the incident took place and even shot a small film on the woman.

Bharati Dubey takes a look at the women of Lajja -- the many faces of Sita.

Rehka is Ramdulari.

Ram ki dulari means Ram's favourite.

Rekha's character is based on the life of woman who inspired Santoshi to write the story of Lajja. She is a Dalit woman who dared to educate her son and inspires the village women to become self sufficient.

But she has to pay the price for her progressive thinking and ultimately becomes the victim of the darkest side of humanity.

Manisha Koirala is Vaidehi -- the protagonist.

Santoshi had a tough time deciding between Madhuri and Manisha for the part of Vaidehi. Eventually, Manisha's vulnerablility won her the part.

It is this meek, soft-spoken woman's marriage that weaves the story together.

For her patience and understanding, all she gets is torment and trauma. She decides to run away.

And a truly significant journey begins.

Madhuri Dixit plays Janaki, which is a name derived from King Janaka, Sita's father.

She is the uncrowned queen of her own world. And she dares to live by her own unconventional rules.

Alcohol and the unborn child inside her unwed existence are her methods of rebellion. She will live on her own terms; she will never be the victim.

But how long will she be able to survive in this conventional and unforgiving society?

Mahima Chaudhry plays Maithili -- daughter of the Mithila kingdom, which was ruled by King Janaka.

She is the bride to be, bedecked in ornaments and a bridal veil. But her veil unveils the price that her helpless father has to pay.

The daughter in her surrenders to it.

Until the woman in her takes over.