Netizen asks Zoya Akhtar to show 'normal Muslim character' on screen, she reacts

Zoya Akhtar

After a long wait, the second season of the much loved Prime Video show 'Made In Heaven' was released on the streaming platform last week. A few days back, author and journalist Yashica Dutt claimed credit for an episode directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and featuring Radhika Apte as she said it drew parallels from her life and her book 'Coming Out as Dalit'. Now, the makers Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar and Neeraj have issued a clarification regarding the same and denied the claims made by Dutt.

The comment section of the four page clarification was filled with mixed opinions. While on the subject of portraying different identities on screen, a user asked Zoya to normalise Muslim character in her films and series. "Zoya can you normal Muslim character in your shows. One positive story that is not oppressed," they wrote.

Taking note of the comment, Zoya reminded the user of positive Muslim characters in her past projects. "Zaffar Khan and Tanveer in luck by chance. Imran and Laila in ZNMD. Farah Ali in Dil Dhadakne do. Practically everyone in gully boy. Sarfaraz khan and Leila shirazi, Kabir, Faiza and Nawab have in made in heaven."

Reacting to Zoya's response a netizen who was not fully convinced wrote, "Faiza is beaten by her husband and oppressed by her dad, Gully boy showed how they live in ghettos and are wife beaters and marry younger 2nd wives, Farah Ali was also not supported by her parents and I had no idea Kabir was muslim lmao. Like just show a normal non conservative muslim family."

As for the statement in response to Yashica Dutt claiming credit for episode featuring Radhika Apte, the makers wrote, "We are deeply disturbed with the misleading reports and comments in the context of author Yashica Dutt claiming formal credit for her ‘contribution' to Made in Heaven, a show set around wedding planners and remarkable brides who challenge prejudices deeply ingrained in our society," the statement read.

Dutt had claimed that the episode and the central character was heavily influenced by her life and her book 'Coming Out As Dalit'. "None of the above is drawn from Yashica Dutt's life or her book - ‘Coming Out As Dalit'. We categorically deny any claim that Ms. Dutt's life or work was appropriated by us. ‘Coming out' is a 1950's academic LGBTQIA term that was first used by Mr. Sumit Baudh in the Indian caste identity context in 2007. He used this in an article he wrote for Tarshi. A decade later it was used by Ms. Dutt in her book. This term has since become common parlance for reclaiming caste identity," the statement added.