Parched director receives threats from Gujarat's Rabari community

After a lot of international acclaim, director Leena Yadav’s Parched has also been receiving thumbs up in India ever since it released earlier this week. The road hasn’t been smooth for the makers though. The film faced the ire of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and a scene from the film was also leaked on the internet some time ago. 

And now, there is fresh trouble for the makers as the Rabari community in Gujarat has strongly objected to the film. They have accused Yadav of presenting women from their community in bad light. They feel that the costumes used in the film are similar to that worn by women from their community. Hence, they have asked for a ban on the film. 

But this is not all. Yadav’s husband Aseem Bajaj, who is the film’s producer, has been receiving threats and abuses through calls and messages. The couple has filed a complaint as a precautionary measure with the Oshiwara police station in Mumbai. 

Reacting on the issue, a confused Yadav said, “I have not named any community, caste or religion. There is a disclaimer about resemblances too. They are reacting to the costumes. I have used a mix of Gujarati and Rajasthani costumes. But, they feel it looks like theirs. If I wear a costume from Thailand, I do not become a Thai. Our identity is not made by the clothes we wear.”