From Ramp to Boot Camp

Thanks to her perseverance and research,Pahuja’s film crew was the first to be allowed inside the Durga Vahini camp where young girls are taught to save Hindutva. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy to get access there. I needed time to make them trust me. So I decided to spend more time in India and be around them. My hard work paid off and I got in,” she says.

While the visuals of brainwashing inside the camp are bound to create ripples,the world behind the curtains of the glossy Miss India contest is no less startling. At one point,Pahuja’s camera shows the contestants walking the ramp hiding their face in sacks to make the judges zero in on the sexiest legs. And participants at both ends,in a spine-chilling moment,reveal how they were unwanted during their birth. That gives them a special sense of purpose. But the documentary never makes judgements. “I wanted to show the contrasting worlds,the dynamic differences,the dreams and aspirations of women at opposite ends and yet,somewhere both the worlds are very similar. Instead of giving a preconceived judgement,I wanted

the audience to make their own decisions,” she says.

Pahuja succeeded to a great extent. Though the documentary has travelled around the world,it is yet to release in theatres in India. Considering the potent content of her film,is she prepared for the consequences? “I don’t think it has controversial content. Self reflection is very necessary and these conversations must continue. We must see what’s happening in our backyard. Elections are coming up and I think the RSS will try to avoid any kind of agitation. And if some find it controversial,they can watch the film and decide,” she says.

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