Remember that feeling when you pour your heart into something, only to feel like the world barely noticed? For screenwriter Shazia Iqbal, that sentiment echoes loudly after her work on the highly anticipated sequel, Dhadak 2. Despite the project’s buzz and her own proven talent, Iqbal is raising a crucial, uncomfortable question about the Indian film industry: Does it genuinely feel the need to make relevant films, especially those championed by diverse voices like hers?
In a recent, candid conversation, Iqbal didn’t mince words. The conversation quickly moved past the typical “making-of” stories to touch on a raw nerve – the perceived lack of sustained industry support for filmmakers, particularly women and those telling stories outside the mainstream, after the initial project hype fades.
“The silence after a project wraps can be deafening,” Iqbal shared, her frustration palpable. “You work intensely, bring your perspective, your experiences to a significant platform like Dhadak 2. But then what? Do the gatekeepers, the studios, the established players, feel an actual, ongoing responsibility to nurture these voices and ensure these ‘relevant’ films aren’t just one-offs? Or is it just about ticking a box when the spotlight is on?”
Beyond the Sequel: Iqbal’s Journey and the Quest for Meaningful Stories
Shazia Iqbal isn’t a newcomer. Her journey is one of consistent effort and undeniable skill. She first garnered widespread acclaim as the writer and director of the powerful short film Bebaak (Voice of the Fearless), which tackled religious orthodoxy and a young Muslim woman’s defiance. The film was selected at prestigious festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), putting Iqbal firmly on the map as a filmmaker with something vital to say. (Source: TIFF Official Website Archive)
Her involvement in Dhadak 2 – a follow-up to the successful Janhvi Kapoor-Ishaan Khatter starrer – was seen as a significant step up, a chance to bring her distinct sensibility to a major commercial production. Details about the sequel are still closely guarded, but expectations are naturally high. Yet, for Iqbal, the experience seems to have highlighted a systemic issue rather than just a personal milestone.
The Core of the Critique: Lip Service vs. Lasting Commitment
Iqbal’s comments cut deep because they challenge the industry’s frequent pronouncements about embracing diversity and telling “relevant” stories. Her pointed questions suggest a disconnect:
- The “Relevance” Conundrum: “What does ‘relevant’ even mean to the powers that be?” Iqbal questions. “Is it relevance measured purely by box office returns on opening weekend, or is it about reflecting the complex realities of our society, sparking conversations, and representing perspectives that have been historically sidelined? There’s a gap between the stated desire for ‘meaningful cinema’ and the actual machinery that supports its creation and creators consistently.“
- The Support Vacuum Post-Project: Her experience underscores a common struggle. “Where is the ecosystem that actively seeks out and supports writers and directors like me after one project?” she asks. This speaks to the lack of mentorship programs, consistent development opportunities, and genuine investment in diverse careers beyond using them for a single “diverse” project.
- The Isolation Factor: For filmmakers operating outside traditional Bollywood networks, the path remains steeply uphill. Iqbal’s remarks highlight the feeling of isolation many face. “It often feels like you’re shouting into a void once the premiere is over,” she admits. This lack of a supportive community or clear pathways stifles the very diversity the industry claims to want.
Why This Conversation Matters Now
Iqbal’s voice joins a growing chorus demanding tangible change. While discussions around representation in front of the camera have gained traction (though still needing immense work), the battle behind the scenes – for writers, directors, producers – is arguably harder.
- Statistics Tell a Story: Reports consistently show a stark underrepresentation of women and marginalized communities in key creative roles in Indian cinema. A 2021 study by O Womaniya! highlighted that only 10% of HOD (Head of Department) positions in Hindi films were held by women. (Source: O Womaniya! Report 2021)
- Audiences Are Evolving: Viewers, especially younger demographics, are increasingly seeking out stories that resonate with their lived experiences or challenge the status quo. Platforms like Netflix India and Amazon Prime Video India have demonstrated there’s a substantial appetite for diverse narratives. Ignoring this shift risks alienating a significant audience segment.
- Relevance = Sustainability: Truly relevant films often have longer cultural shelf lives, foster deeper audience connections, and can drive meaningful social discourse. Investing in the creators who make them isn’t just ethical; it’s potentially sound business in an evolving market.
Industry Reactions: Awkward Silence or Meaningful Reflection?
Predictably, the immediate reaction from major studios and established industry figures to Iqbal’s specific comments has been… quiet. This silence itself feels telling. Does it signal discomfort, dismissal, or perhaps (hopefully) internal reflection?
Some independent producers and fellow filmmakers, however, have voiced solidarity online, acknowledging the systemic hurdles Iqbal highlights. The hope is that her courage in speaking out will push the conversation beyond social media buzz and into boardrooms and production offices.
The Path Forward: From Questions to Action
Shazia Iqbal isn’t just venting; she’s issuing a challenge. Her questions demand answers and, more importantly, action:
- Intentional Hiring & Development: Studios need proactive, sustained efforts to identify, hire, and mentor diverse talent for multiple projects, not just isolated ones.
- Building Infrastructure: Creating robust support systems – grants, labs, networking initiatives – specifically designed for underrepresented creators is crucial.
- Redefining “Success”: Valuing films not just by opening weekend numbers but by their cultural impact, critical reception, and audience engagement depth.
- Amplifying Voices: Established names have a responsibility to actively champion and create space for emerging, diverse voices like Iqbal’s beyond token gestures.
FAQ: Understanding Shazia Iqbal’s Stance
- What is Dhadak 2?
- Dhadak 2 is the sequel to the 2018 Hindi film Dhadak, itself a remake of the acclaimed Marathi film Sairat. It stars newcomers Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi. Shazia Iqbal is credited with the screenplay.
- Who is Shazia Iqbal?
- Shazia Iqbal is an acclaimed Indian screenwriter and director. She gained prominence with her award-winning short film Bebaak, which premiered at TIFF. Dhadak 2 marks her major foray into big-budget Hindi cinema as a writer.
- What exactly is Shazia Iqbal criticizing?
- Iqbal is criticizing the perceived lack of ongoing, systemic support from the mainstream Hindi film industry for filmmakers like herself – particularly women and those telling diverse stories – after the completion of a high-profile project like Dhadak 2. She questions the industry’s genuine commitment to making “relevant” films beyond one-off opportunities.
- Why is this important?
- It highlights a systemic issue hindering diversity and genuine innovation in Indian cinema. If talented voices like Iqbal’s struggle to find consistent support and platforms after proving their merit, the industry risks stagnation and loses out on powerful, relevant storytelling that reflects modern India.
- What does “relevant films” mean in this context?
- While subjective, “relevant films” here generally refers to stories that move beyond pure escapism to engage with contemporary social issues, represent diverse experiences (regional, religious, caste, gender, socio-economic), challenge stereotypes, and spark meaningful conversation – the kind of stories Iqbal is known for.
The Takeaway: It’s Time to Move Beyond Tokenism
Shazia Iqbal’s questions aren’t just about her individual career. They are a mirror held up to Bollywood’s conscience. Is the industry truly ready to move beyond performative diversity and token projects? Is it prepared to build the scaffolding necessary to consistently support the creation of films that reflect India’s vibrant, complex reality?
The success of Dhadak 2 will be measured in tickets, but the success of the industry will be measured by how it responds to voices like Iqbal’s. Will it offer deafening silence, or will it finally build the bridges needed to ensure that “relevant” cinema isn’t just an occasional headline, but the beating heart of its future? The ball, as they say, is firmly in the industry’s court. The audience is watching, and waiting. What steps will you take to support the diverse storytellers shaping our culture? Share your thoughts below.
