Scrutiny brews as 'Made in Heaven 2' faces backlash over not crediting a Dalit author's involvement in the Radhika Apte episode
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The recent release of the fifth episode of Made in Heaven 2, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has sparked discussions and conversations since its debut last week. The episode delves into the lingering issue of casteism in contemporary times and features Radhika Apte as Pallavi Menke, a Dalit author who courageously embraces her identity and becomes a vocal advocate for her community.
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On Monday, journalist and author Yashica Dutt, known for her book 'Coming Out as Dalit', which offers a picture of the Dalit experience in India, took to Instagram to share her powerful response to the episode. While she appreciated the show's portrayal of a Dalit-Buddhist wedding and hailed the episode as a "cinematic triumph," Yashica voiced her concern regarding the lack of acknowledgment for her contribution to the episode's central ideas.
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In her Instagram post, Yashica expressed a range of emotions upon seeing her likeness portrayed on screen without prior warning or permission. She conveyed her initial excitement and thrill, swiftly followed by feelings of sadness and loss. She emphasized her continued support for Neeraj Ghaywan's exceptional work, both in Made in Heaven and his previous project Geeli Pucchi. However, Yashica underscored the importance of addressing the matter at hand.
Yashica highlighted the significance of Neeraj Ghaywan's contribution to changing cinematic language by showcasing unapologetic Dalit characters in Bollywood, a tradition that has deep roots in Southern cinema. She commended the episode titled for its powerful portrayal of a Dalit woman reclaiming her power within a casteist society.
Yashica's emotional response was centered around a particular scene in the episode, where the Dalit author, hailing from Columbia, shares her experiences and asserts her selfhood with her soon-to-be life partner. The scene resonated deeply with Yashica, as it was an uncanny representation of her own life. However, her elation was short-lived as she realized her words and ideas were used without proper attribution or credit.
Yashica lamented that while the episode beautifully depicted a Dalit woman's journey and her inter-caste wedding, her own contributions were not acknowledged. As the cinematic landscape evolves to feature more Dalit characters, Yashica called for due recognition of those who have played a pivotal role in shaping these narratives.
Made in Heaven, an anthology series created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti for Prime Video, revolves around wedding planners played by Karan Mehra and Sobhita Dhulipala. Set against the backdrop of opulent Indian weddings, the series offers a platform for diverse stories to unfold. Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, Nitya Mehra, Neeraj Ghaywan, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti, the show continues to provoke conversations about contemporary social issues.
The episode Yashica critiqued has indeed raised important points about representation and credit in storytelling, shedding light on the complexities of bringing marginalized experiences to the forefront. As discussions surrounding the episode persist, it underscores the need for a more inclusive and respectful approach in acknowledging those who contribute to shaping the narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
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