What Happens When Caste Enters Mainstream Media?

Amrita Ghosh and Bhakti Shringarpure discuss new films and television shows that have decided to tackle casteism and caste violence in India today. Films like Sairat, Article 15, Fandry or shows such as Dahaad have paved the way for mainstream conversations and debates about the pernicious and enduring caste system. While such social justice-oriented productions are indeed a welcome change, they raise important questions about precisely how caste is represented, narrated, depicted and visualised. Dalit writer and activist Yashica Dutt joins the podcast to speak about the ways in which the television series Made in Heaven recently plagiarised her work. Dutt speaks about the terrible backlash she has been undergoing after calling out the show’s makers. She explains that producing a progressive and complex episode on caste cannot hinge on a good script and star cast but requires a commitment to Dalit voices, representation and activism.