Made In Heaven 2: Zoya Akhtar schools troll asking her to show 'normal' Muslims onscreen

Director listed down characters and films that are testament to her dedication to authenticity

Zoya Akhtar, the creative force behind the second season of the hit series Made In Heaven, has delivered a resolute response to an Instagram user's criticism of her portrayal of Muslim characters in her shows and films. The criticism seemed to be directed at Dia Mirza's character, Shehnaz, in episode 6 titled 'The Warrior Princess'. Shehnaz's narrative revolves around her distress after her husband's second marriage. In the face of these objections, Akhtar took to her platform to elucidate her artistic intentions.

Akhtar had actually shared a long note to deny the allegations of using excerpts from Yashica Dutt's book and life in episode 5 featuring Radhika Apte as a Dalit bride. In the comments section, a user asked the filmmaker, “Zoya, can you show one normal Muslim character in your shows. One positive story that is not oppressed.”

Listing out several examples, Akhtar wrote, “Zaffar Khan and Tanveer in Luck By Chance. Imran and Laila in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD). Farah Ali in Dil Dhadakne Do. Practically everyone in Gully Boy. Sarfaraz Khan and Leila Shirazi, Kabir, Faiza and Nawab have in Made In Heaven.”

The filmmaker's response underscores her commitment to weaving narratives that resonate with authenticity and depth. The characters she mentioned demonstrate her nuanced approach to storytelling, ensuring that they transcend stereotypes and reflect the rich diversity within the Muslim community.

In Luck By Chance, Hrithik Roshan and Ashish Sawhny embodied Zaffar Khan and Tanveer, characters that resonated beyond religious labels. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara featured Imran, a vivacious advertising copywriter portrayed by Farhan Akhtar, and Laila, the free-spirited scuba instructor played by Katrina Kaif. Dil Dhadakne Do introduced the spirited dancer Farah Ali, essayed by Anushka Sharma. Gully Boy brought to life the aspiring rapper played by Ranveer Singh and his bold doctor girlfriend portrayed by Alia Bhatt.

In the context of Made In Heaven season 2, Akhtar's commitment to multifaceted representation remains steadfast. Returning characters like Kabir Basrai (Shashank Arora), Faiza (Kalki Koechlin), and Nawab Khan (Vikrant Massey) continue to enrich the series' narrative tapestry. The infusion of fresh faces like Pulkit Samrat and Elnaaz Norouzi, who play the soon-to-be-married Bollywood actors Sarfaraz and Leila, ensures that the series remains an exploration of diverse lives and stories.

Akhtar's response is a reminder that her creative endeavors strive to bridge gaps, challenge preconceptions, and illuminate the complexity of human experiences. By addressing concerns and showcasing a mosaic of characters, she reaffirms her role as a trailblazer in promoting genuine and inclusive representation on screen.

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