Miranda House, DU students object to Ziddi Girls, principal demands removal of ‘objectionable’ trailer

Speaking to The Indian Express, Principal Bijayalaxmi Nanda said the college has written to the filmmakers, demanding the removal of the trailer and the show’s reference to ‘MH,” which many believe alludes to Miranda House. “We are deeply shocked and anguished by this portrayal,” Nanda said. “We have demanded that they take down the objectionable trailer and the short-form reference to MH on an urgent basis. If the filmmakers do not respond, we will explore other remedial measures,” Nanda added.

In a statement Thursday, the Miranda House students’ union said: “MHSU expresses its deep outrage and profound condemnation over the recent release of the ‘Ziddi Girls’ trailer on Amazon Prime. The circulating trailer contains content that raises serious objections, particularly regarding the dignity of our esteemed institution. It tarnishes, defames, and demeans the 77-year-old legacy of Miranda House, a college renowned for its commitment to women’s education and emancipation.”

“… the college has formed a committee and has officially sent an email demanding the removal of references to ‘MH’ and ‘Matilda House’ from the trailer, along with the upload of an updated version of the trailer which incorporates the changes required. Additionally, we are actively working on strengthening our policy regarding future shooting within the premises,” it added.

The backlash has gained momentum both on campus and online. The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) has called for a boycott of the series, with its president, Ronak Khatri, labeling it a “direct attack on the dignity of Miranda House”.

“Portraying its students in a sexualised manner is an insult to their academic excellence and hard work,” Khatri said in a statement. “We demand the resignation of the principal who permitted the shooting of this series and call for an immediate ban on its release.”

Students have also taken to social media to express their outrage, using hashtags such as #BoycottZiddiGirls and #RespectMirandaHouse. “This is an incorrect representation of our space,” one student wrote on X. “Miranda stands as a stalwart of women’s education and emancipation. It is insulting to our legacy and reputation.”

Another student, in a post on X, argued that such portrayals could have real-world consequences: “#ZiddiGirls shows girls’ colleges in a bad way, making it harder for students from smaller cities to convince their parents to let them study in Delhi. As someone studying near Miranda House (Matilda House), I know these colleges are safe and empowering.”