Tahira Kashyap defends controversial period scene in 'Sharmajee Ki Beti'
What's the story
Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, the director of Sharmajee Ki Beti, has defended a scene in her film that portrays actual period blood stains.
The film, available on Amazon Prime Video, features a character experiencing her period during a school lunch break, resulting in a visible red stain on her uniform.
This depiction sparked backlash from some viewers who criticized it as being "against their culture" and demanded its removal.
Director's response
Director responded to criticism, standing by her creative decision
Kashyap Khurrana addressed the criticism in an interview with Mid-Day, stating her intention was not to offend but to inform in a way that would make viewers smile rather than cringe.
She acknowledged the prejudice and patriarchy prevalent in society, attributing it as a product of circumstances.
Despite being advised against including the scene, Kashyap Khurrana insisted on its inclusion, arguing for an accurate depiction of menstruation and breaking taboos.
Breaking taboos
She was told, 'Let's not have this scene'
Kashyap Khurrana emphasized the importance of accurately portraying women's physiology and biology in media.
"I was told, 'Let's not have this scene.' I was like, 'No let's show it for what it is, it is a state, it is period.'"
She stressed the need to sensitize boys toward women's biological processes to foster understanding, empathy, and appreciation.
This stance comes as part of her broader effort to challenge societal taboos surrounding menstruation.
Directorial debut
'Sharmajee Ki Beti' marks Kashyap Khurrana's feature debut
Sharmajee Ki Beti, available on Amazon Prime Video, marks Kashyap Khurrana's feature debut as a director.
The film delves into women's empowerment and the challenges they face, as seen through the lives of three middle-class women and two teenage girls, all named 'Sharma.'
She has directed shorts before, one for Netflix's Feels Like Ishq anthology series.