Exclusive | Gangubai Kathiawadi writer Utkarshini Vashishtha: I joke with Sanjay Leela Bhansali before his films release, 'Where are your protestors'

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Utkarshini Vashishtha is on cloud nine as Gangubai Kathiawadi got her a National Film Awards 2023. After 10 years of working on the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, the efforts bore sweet fruits. In an exclusive interview with Mid-Day, Utkarshini spoke about following National Awards religiously over the years and learning from diverse cinema. She shared, "Till recently, I religiously followed National Awards. I respect the National Awards because of regional cinema. I used to make a list of those films and watch them."

Talking about women writers bringing across change in the Indian film fraternity, she said, "I think it is a very positive trend. Honey Irani started it for us and then Sai Paranjpe also changed the scenario. When Juhi Chaturvedi came with those great stories and superb films, she modified the situation for women writers in India. I thank her for inspiring us."

Utkarshini further spoke about Gangubai Kathiawadi being in the making for 10 years. The writer revealed, "Gangubai Kathiawadi was in the making for 10 years. The script was ready but there was a fear as people in India don't talk about sex workers. At the dinner table, families don't talk about sex. That's one part of society people want to brush under the carpet. Gangubai Kathiawadi brought them into mainstream conversation. From youngsters to senior citizens, everyone spoke about the topic. That's the biggest award and reward we could get for the film. Voh joh sharam thi na uss topic se voh hatt gaya (There's no stigma around the topic anymore). The film projected Gangubai as a film star, but she was a sex worker. Now, all Gangubais are being looked at as stars. They deserve respect too. Kaam kar rahe hai voh (they're working), that's it."

"We have limited source material. I had to refer to documentaries that were shot on phones and some on camera. What I saw shook me to my core. There's a scene where a woman makes her child consume opium just to ensure the kid isn't exposed to the ugly world. Sanjay sir is a genius and I had no doubts with that. We had discussions about songs and being a Bhansali film, Gangubai Kathiawadi had to have songs. I was worried that the songs could throw the audience away from the subject matter but when it was executed, I was awe-struck. Mere Jaan song, which was shot inside a car was so beautiful. I wrote it as a scene between two people and when I watched it, the song was about a woman who was touched gently for the first time. Sanjay sir was clear that he didn't want to make a documentary. He said, 'I don't want it to be a lecture for the audience. It has to be entertaining. When the audience comes to theatres, they will understand the purpose of making the film,'" Utkarshini added.

The writer further spoke about dealing with historical subjects and novel adaptations. She said, "The project I am working on currently is a book adaptation. There's a lot of work that goes behind researching and writing for a period film. We have to make the material suitable and palatable for films and the audience. Without losing the essence of the subject, we have to make it concise and leave some space for songs. Every person reacts differently to a book or a film. We cannot impress everyone. It is a challenge and a huge responsibility when you are depicting a person's life on the big screen. It is a sensitive thing. It is important to keep the person's family, friends, and opinions in mind. No matter how much commercially viable you want to make it, you cannot leave the truth of the story. There is creative liberty while we retain the truth. Like in Sarabjit, it is a 23-year-long struggle and I cannot show everything. We pick the high points and make a film."

Opening up about 'cancel culture', Utkarshini shared, "I'm terrified of the cancel culture. There is a movie I am working on and it is a historical piece. Those are truths of the time. If you are showing events that took place 1000 years ago, it won't go well with certain sections of society who think differently today. Everyone cannot be happy but your intention has to be honest. You have a responsibility towards the person on whom the film is being made and also towards the audience. Baaki ko naraz hona hai toh ho sakte hai. I always joke with Sanjay sir before his films release, "Sir, where are the protestors? You might be feeling incomplete." He says, "They must be on their way." There are 2% of people who will not like his work but 98% love him. I think those 2% of people also deserve a chance to express their opinions. You're doing good if people are reacting to it. If they react, they have connected with the project. The entire social media is based on reactions. Those people need some sort of validation."