Srijit Mukherji: ‘Begum Jaan’ a story of survival

Celebrated filmmaker Srijit Mukherji who has garnered critical acclamation across the country with his Bengali outings, is ready with his first ever Bollywood venture. Titled ‘Begum Jaan’, the film deals with the plight of women during the partition of India; and is inspired by Srijit’s Bengali flick ‘Rajkahini’.

Discussing the film’s story-line, Srijit told Hindustan Times how ‘Begum Jaan’ aims to alter our vision towards s*x workers.

“It will absolutely bring in a renewed focus. It’s a story of survival. They are human beings who have their code of conduct, they have families, they have relationships… it’s very unfair to discriminate against them or put them aside as marginal sections,” he said. (Also Read: Srijit Mukherji’s ‘Begum Jaan’ to see Anu Malik, Asha Bhosle back together)

“In 2011, I had made a film called ‘Baishe Shrabon’ during which I had shot portions of the film in Sonagachi. That is when I got exposed to the lives of these people and I got to talk to few of them so when I was making ‘Begum Jaan’, I incorporated the knowledge there,” the filmmaker added.

‘Begum Jaan’ has Vidya Balan playing the character of a brothel owner and will feature Ila Arun, Gauahar Khan and Pallavi Sharda playing other pivotal characters. The film is set to hit the screens on April 14.

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.