After many years, a Dalit character took on a lead role in Bollywood and she portrayed a fierce, strong, and fearless character, bringing about a change that Bollywood had been waiting for over 60 years. This character appeared in the web series “Dahaad” which was released on May 12th. The series has been gaining popularity among the audience.
Previously, Bollywood had not shown Dalit characters prominently, or if they did, they were often portrayed as weak, powerless, and dependent on others. As a result, she became a ray of hope for many and inspired several other films to follow suit. The portrayal of injustice towards Dalits in some films was so intense that it forced people to confront the widespread discrimination. The caste factor had never been highlighted to this extent before, and someone had to become a messiah to fight against the injustices. Many times, it had to be someone from an upper caste. Only a few scenes were shot in a film-style manner, but the injustice portrayed in the constitution and laws was never truly eliminated. The film “Article 15” exemplifies this.
In South Indian films, Mari and Pa. Ranjit started featuring Dalit characters as the main heroes and heroines. Films like “Kaala,” “Kabali,” “Asuran,” and “Pariyerum Perumal” started bringing the voices of Dalits into the mainstream. In the movie “Aarakshan” released in 2010, while fighting for justice for Dalit families, two CBI officers fight with all their might, but it’s only in the movies. Such CBI officers don’t exist in reality. The movie “Masaan” portrayed a Dalit protagonist, Deepak, who was so deeply affected by injustice that he was determined to fight against it. In “Article 15,” the protagonist belongs to an upper caste. He remains unaware of the struggles faced by Dalits until he receives support from his NGO girlfriend, and then he fights with the power of laws. In the end, he experiences it himself. His journey aligns with that of Chandra Shekhar Azad, as he seeks the support of Dalit voices to overcome injustice.
Now let’s move on to “Dahaad.” The beginning of the Dahaad itself was made by a Dalit actress, Sonakshi Sinha. She wouldn’t bow down to anyone, as seen in this scene. She says, “My father never bowed down to anyone,” clarifying the point. Her father refers to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who had a self-respecting voice. To avoid being recognized by caste, her father changed their surname from “Meghwal,” which belongs to the Scheduled Caste category, to “Bhatti.” However, Indian mentality is reflected in the series, where changing one’s name or surname doesn’t eradicate caste. This awareness is often portrayed in the series. In the end, after accomplishing the mission, she reclaims her original surname, “Meghwal.” This sends a message that changing one’s name or surname doesn’t eradicate caste.
In the Marathi film industry, I often come across humorous actors/actresses. They don’t bring up surnames. It’s not known which caste they belong to. They have their own identity. The topic of casteism is handled with a light touch.
The series delves into the issue of caste discrimination and features the main Dalit actress expressing herself with great confidence. She is not shown as strange, weak, or oppressed. On the contrary, she has a good understanding of the law and the constitution. She often uses her knowledge to counter arguments. It can be inferred from the series that self-protection is necessary.
The subject of sex, which is considered a taboo due to the conservative mentality in India, is being discussed openly these days. Even a police officer and his son, who attend the same school, can openly discuss this topic. Similarly, the actress only needs simplicity while performing intimate scenes, and that simplicity can be achieved by not forcing herself upon someone she has chosen. This series also depicts deviant and distorted sexual behaviors, making it the villain of this series.
Women empowerment has also been portrayed positively in this series. Many women feel the burden of societal expectations on themselves and their families. They appear beautiful to their mothers while trying to make them understand. Her senior sends her daughter to Delhi for a competition, which becomes a challenge for her, and she realizes it after watching this series. This series carries a powerful message that women should stand on their own feet and empower themselves, so they don’t have to depend on anyone else and risk losing their identity.
The series comments on casteism in a similar way as it does on religious fundamentalism. Recently, a propaganda film titled “Kerala Story” was released, which is highly misleading. It has raised the issue of “Love Jihad.” However, this series has cleverly avoided highlighting this issue. It focuses on love that is based on personal preferences. If a girl successfully returns to her family after falling in love, then the false case of “Love Jihad” can create problems for her loved ones and cause distress to her family. It ends. The same applies to “Honor Killing” if it happens due to casteism. These two incidents are depicted in this series. Thakur’s daughter elopes with a Muslim, and an MLA aggressively pursues the “Love Jihad” case. In another instance, a Dalit girl goes missing for two months and is constantly harassed at the police station, but her complaint is not taken seriously. This shows that the current political situation gives importance to certain incidents.
Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to Rima Kagti and Zoya Akhtar for creating this series with such strength and attention to detail. They have worked diligently and focused on subtle details. Gulshan Devaiah, Sonakshi Sinha, Vijay Varma, and Sohum Shah are the true heroes of this series. Gulshan and Vijay have played their roles exceptionally well. Sonakshi has impressed right from the beginning. To explore powerful subjects like these, one needs the guidance of an accomplished director who believes in bringing about change and does not shy away from taking a firm stance. Zoya and Reema Kabir deserve applause for that.
“Dahad” means roar. It signifies a strong voice, intense emotions, and uncompromising personalities. From this series, a Dalit actress emerges as a strong voice. I would call her an Ambedkarite actress. Because it’s not something different. Anyone who speaks and works against injustice, oppression, and casteism is an Ambedkarite, and that’s what I believe and stand for.