Director Vivek Agnihotri has praised a Pakistani doctor who criticized Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming Netflix web series “Heeramandi,” highlighting Bollywood’s tendency to romanticize the lives of courtesans. The doctor, identified as Dr. Shifa M. Mufti, expressed concerns over the portrayal of courtesans and brothels in Indian cinema.
Agnihotri took to Twitter to laud Dr. Mufti’s critique, agreeing with her assessment of Bollywood’s portrayal of courtesans as romanticized figures. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging historical accuracy and realism in storytelling, especially when depicting sensitive subjects like the lives of courtesans.
He shared Hamd Nawaz’s tweet and expressed his opinion, “Sharing Hamd Nawaz’s tweets, Vivek wrote, “A brilliant critique by @_SophieSchol. I haven’t seen the show, but I have visited Heeramandi in Lahore a few times. Bollywood has this tendency to romanticize courtesans and brothels. It’s a sad commentary because brothels have never been places of opulence, glamour or beauty. These are monuments of human injustice, pain and suffering. Those unfamiliar with this should watch Shyam Benegal’s Mandi.”
He also wrote, “Also, a question we must ask: Does creativity give us the freedom to glamorize human suffering? Is it okay to make a film where slum life is depicted as a life of abundance? Is it okay to portray slum dwellers wearing clothes as if they are attending an Ambani wedding? Pl discuss.”
Dr. Shifa M. Mufti’s critique and Vivek Agnihotri’s commendation highlight the significance of thoughtful and nuanced storytelling in cinema. As discussions continue about the portrayal of courtesans in Bollywood, the director’s perspective serves as a reminder of the importance of authentic representation in filmmaking.
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