Filmmaker Shonali Bose's web series 'Ziddi Girls' has sparked a controversy after students and the principal of Miranda House claimed that its trailer misrepresents the college. In response, the makers issued a disclaimer stating it is a "work of fiction."
Ziddi Girls' makers issue disclaimer after facing backlash
Shonali Bose, a former Miranda House student, told PTI, "Watch the show. Nothing regressive." Bose, known for ‘The Sky is Pink’ and ‘Margarita With A Straw’, co-directed ‘Ziddi Girls’ alongside Vasant Nath and Neha Veena Sharma. The series premieres on OTT on February 27.
The Prime Video series is set in a fictional Delhi college, Matilda House, referred to as MH—an acronym also used for Miranda House. The story follows five students on a journey of self-discovery. After the trailer’s release, the principal raised objections, followed by the Miranda House Students Union and Delhi University Students Union. As the controversy grew, the makers added a disclaimer on Friday.
"This series is a work of fiction. It is based on a fictional institution and characters. It is not intended to defame any person, organization, or educational institution," reads the disclaimer.
In a letter to Shonali Bose on Thursday, Miranda House principal Bijailaxmi Nanda urged the director to remove any reference to 'MH' from the show and its trailer. Meanwhile, the Miranda House Students' Union issued a statement criticising the series.
"By promoting a mindset rooted in patriarchal notions, the trailer misrepresents the values and spirit of our institution. This is highly unacceptable on the part of the film's directors and deeply concerning. We strongly object to the use of 'MH' to depict the fictional college in the film, as it blurs the distinction between fiction and reality. This misrepresentation creates a deliberate and misleading impression that portrayal in the trailer reflects the current state of Miranda House," it reads.
Delhi University Student Union president Ronak Khatri questioned why the series was shot on the college campus. "The shooting of 'Ziddi Girls' series in Miranda House campus raises the question on why the principal permitted it, when shooting all kinds of films in the campus was stopped after 'Kabir Singh' was shot there," Khatri said.
About web-series Ziddi Girls
‘Ziddi Girls’, created by Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy under Pritish Nandy Communications, introduces a fresh cast, including Atiya Tara Nayak, Umang Bhadana, Zaina Ali, Deeya Damini, and Anupriya Caroli. The series also features acclaimed actors Simran, Nandita Das, Nandish Singh Sandhu, Lillete Dubey, and Revathy in pivotal roles.