Ziddi Girls recieves backlash from Miranda House over unauthentic portrayal of students from the university: “We are deeply shocked & anguished”

Delhi University’s Miranda House has expressed strong disapproval over the portrayal of its students in the upcoming Amazon Prime series Ziddi Girls, arguing that it misrepresents the institution and tarnishes its legacy. Directed by Shonali Bose, Ziddi Girls is set in a prestigious Delhi college named Matilda House, abbreviated as MH, and follows the lives of its students. While the creators assert that the series is fictional, students and alumni of Miranda House believe the parallels are too obvious to ignore.

Shonali Bose directorial Ziddi Girls receive backlash

In a statement released on Thursday, the Miranda House Students’ Union (MHSU) voiced its “deep outrage and profound condemnation” over the trailer for Ziddi Girls, calling it a misrepresentation that undermines the institution’s dignity. The union added, “The circulating trailer contains content that raises serious objections, particularly regarding the dignity of our esteemed institution. It tarnishes, defames, and demeans the 77-year-old legacy of Miranda House, a college renowned for its commitment to women’s education and emancipation.”

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Principal Bijayalaxmi Nanda spoke to The Indian Express, revealing that the college had sent a letter to the filmmakers, demanding the removal of the trailer and the elimination of any references to ‘MH’, which many believe alludes to Miranda House. “We are deeply shocked and anguished by this portrayal,” Nanda said. “We have demanded that they take down the objectionable trailer and the short-form reference to MH on an urgent basis. If the filmmakers do not respond, we will explore other remedial measures.”

The college has established a committee to formally address the matter, which has already contacted the filmmakers. The letter calls for the removal of references to ‘MH’ and ‘Matilda House’ in the trailer, along with an updated version that incorporates these changes. The college also announced that it is strengthening its policy regarding future film shoots on its premises.

DUSU take objection over the portrayal of students in the film

The backlash has grown both on campus and online, with the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) joining the protest. DUSU president Ronak Khatri labelled the series a “direct attack on the dignity of Miranda House,” adding, “Portraying its students in a sexualised manner is an insult to their academic excellence and hard work.” He further called for the resignation of the principal who allowed the shooting of the series and demanded an immediate ban on the show’s release.

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Students have also voiced their anger on social media, using hashtags such as #BoycottZiddiGirls and #RespectMirandaHouse. One student wrote, “This is an incorrect representation of our space. Miranda stands as a stalwart of women’s education and emancipation. It is insulting to our legacy and reputation.” Another expressed concern about the real-world implications of such portrayals, arguing that “Ziddi Girls shows girls’ colleges in a bad way, making it harder for students from smaller cities to convince their parents to let them study in Delhi. As someone studying near Miranda House (Matilda House), I know these colleges are safe and empowering.”

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Also Read: Ziddi Girls: A glimpse into the fierce, fearless and inspiring journey of friendship, strength, and self-discovery- Watch