Dalit author slams makers of Made in Heaven 2 for using her work 'without permission'

The fifth episode of Made in Heaven 2 has set tongues wagging ever since it was dropped on the streaming platform. The episode delved into the issue of casteism that persists even in contemporary times. Journalist and author Yashica Dutt praised the depiction of a Dalit-Buddhist wedding but criticised the makers for allegedly drawing from her experiences without obtaining her permission or acknowledging her contribution to the central themes of the episode.

3 things you need to know

• The fifth episode of Made In Heaven 2, titled The Heart Skipped a Beat, stars Radhika Apte.
• In the episode, she played the role of Pallavi Menke, a Dalit author who courageously stands up for her community
• The episode was directed by  Neeraj Ghaywan.

Yashica Dutt says her ideas were taken without permission

Journalist and author Yashica Dutt, known for her book Coming Out as Dalit, which sheds light on the experience of being Dalit in India, took to Instagram to express her thoughts about the episode. She lauded the fifth episode, titled The Heart Skipped a Beat, for its masterful representation of a Dalit woman's empowerment journey in a caste-ridden society.

(Radhika Apte played the role of Pallavi Menke | Image: X)

The episode resonated deeply with Yashica, particularly the scene featuring a Dalit author from Columbia, who discusses her grandmother's past struggles and asserts her identity in a conversation with her life partner-to-be. She said that her joy was tempered by the absence of her name or due credit associated with the portrayal of these impactful ideas. She even said that the makers didn't take her permission before taking her ideas. 

Yashica urges makers to acknowledge her contributions

In her long message, Yashica appealed to the creators, including Neeraj Ghaywan and the showrunners Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, to officially acknowledge her contributions beyond just social media posts or show credits. She said that as filmmakers embrace the narrative of Dalits on screen, it is imperative to recognise those who have played a role in shaping those ideas. She  added that she wants viewers to understand that these powerful concepts are born from the lived experiences and efforts of a marginalised individual.