'Made In Heaven' team deny claims of appropriating Dalit author Yashica Dutt's life in detailed clarification, netizens unimpressed

Still from the controversial Made In Heaven episode

After a long wait, the second season of the much loved Prime Video show 'Made In Heaven' was released on the streaming platform last week. A few days back, author and journalist Yashica Dutt claimed credit for an episode directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and featuring Radhika Apte as she said it drew parallels from her life and her book 'Coming Out as Dalit'. Now, the makers Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar and Neeraj have issued a clarification regarding the same and denied the claims made by Dutt.

"We are deeply disturbed with the misleading reports and comments in the context of author Yashica Dutt claiming formal credit for her ‘contribution' to Made in Heaven, a show set around wedding planners and remarkable brides who challenge prejudices deeply ingrained in our society," the statement read.

None of the above is drawn from Yashica Dutt's life or her book - ‘Coming Out As Dalit'. We categorically deny any claim that Ms. Dutt's life or work was appropriated by us. ‘Coming out' is a 1950's academic LGBTQIA term that was first used by Mr. Sumit Baudh in the Indian caste identity context in 2007. He used this in an article he wrote for Tarshi. A decade later it was used by Ms. Dutt in her book. This term has since become common parlance for reclaiming caste identity," the statement added.

"We have immense respect for them and their experiences and their work that has admirably shed light on caste-based discrimination. Through his previous work and this episode, Neeraj Ghaywan has added to the discourse. We made this show with sincerity, passion, and a beating heart and are overwhelmed with the love we have received. We will continue to platform stories and voices that are truly bigger than us," the statement concluded.

However, netizens were not much impressed by the clarification and many disagreed with the filmmaker. "There is a very clear correlation between Pallavi and @yashicadutt (more power to her for speaking out). The production house really needs to sit down and clear the air and give credit where it's due, instead of trying to hide behind half truths. They have done some good work and they only stand to lose respect by walking down this path," wrote a user in the comment section of the Instagram post.

"Wow I am a huge fan of yours @zoieakhtar but this post is such a huge let down. You've disappointed all of us who believed in you. Very very clearly Pallavi's character is inspired by @yashicadutt , it is clearly visible with anyone eyes and has basic general knowledge. If you don't want to stare credits for monetary reasons, okay, that's understandable. But be honest about the attribution of inspiration atleast! I thought you were better than this ya Zoya," expressed another user.

"@neeraj.ghaywan in his post mentions that Dutt's book inspired the interview part in the episode. Also acknowledges the her work made ‘Coming Out' popular in the mainstream discourse. This post is erasure of her work and proves her point. Sad," wrote another user.

Some also came in support of the makers and wrote, "When individuals think they are bigger than the actual cause, that is when the real issue erupts. It is saddening to see @yashicadutt claiming such things. Isn't her story reaching every household anyways because how @neeraj.ghaywan has portrayed it. Also, Neeraj has written a detailed posting thanking all his influences for this story. I just want thank the story tellers to tell such an important story in such an exotic empathetic way. To see BR Ambedkar's image on screen with such a strong message was goose bumpy. Thank you @neeraj.ghaywan and team".