Sports in India: New Hope for Girls and Women?—A View from Bollywood with Screening and Discussion of DANGAL
Based on the true story of Mahavir Phogat and his two daughters, Geeta and Babita, Dangal is set in an Indian village bubbling with gender prejudice. Reflecting the equally pernicious corruption of the Indian sports scene, the film depicts how the girls ultimately triumph. The message of gender equality and the success of the ordinary man is loud and clear.
Yet a fundamental problem is summarized in the following quote from Aamir Khan speaking to reporters:
"Nitesh has written a wonderful story. The topic is very important, it's very dramatic. It highlights the discrimination that is meted out to the girl-child in India. The best part is that he has done it in a very entertaining manner. The heart of the story is emotional, but it also has a lot of humor. Each time I listen to the dialogues, I laugh a lot. I cry as well as laugh.”
While bringing important issues to the forefront, is Bollywood nevertheless undermining it’s message in the entertainment?
Movie screening will begin promptly at 5:30 pm.
(Freeberg Dining Room)