KC Bokadia said – Bitter truth has been shown in ‘Teesri Begum’: Filmmaker spoke openly on Jai Siyaram controversy, Love Jihad issue and Censor Board

Veteran filmmaker KC Bokadia, who has worked with big stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Rekha, Madhuri Dixit and Rajkumar, is in the news these days for his new film ‘Teesri Begum’. He spoke openly to Dainik Bhaskar about this film based on sensitive issues like love jihad, triple talaq and religious conversion. Bokadia said that the film is inspired by a true incident and its purpose is not to target any religion, but to put a serious question before the society. He also expressed his frank opinion on the dispute with the Censor Board, the fight that reached the court and his conviction. Question: Where did you get the inspiration to make ‘Teesri Begum’? Answer: From a real incident. I went to an acquaintance’s house, where he proudly told me that he had three wives – Muslim, Rajput and Brahmin. From there, a question came to my mind that how would girls with different values ​​and food habits adjust in such an environment. The story of the film was created from that thought. Question: Issues like love jihad, triple talaq and halala are visible in the film. Wasn’t there any fear in making a film on such a controversial subject? Answer: No. Whatever I saw and felt, I showed it in the film. My aim is not to term any religion as wrong, but to show the mental condition of those girls who struggle in a different environment. I have presented it in a balanced manner. Question: What is shown in the film? Answer: In the film, a Brahmin girl goes to a Muslim family after marriage. There he has to face the pressure of changing his name, adopting customs and adjusting to the new life. The story shows his troubles, struggles and attempts to get out. Question: Are there issues like religious conversion and coercion in the film? Answer: We have shown that many times girls are married with big dreams. Later they come to know the truth. The film not only shows the problem, it also tells that decisions should be taken thoughtfully. Question: Has it been shown in the film that there is some network or money game behind such cases? Answer: I have heard such things, but it was not shown in the film. I kept only what was necessary according to the story and emotions. Question: Why did you have a long battle with the censor board? Answer: The censor board had objections to some dialogues and especially the ‘Jai Siyaram’ scene. I clearly said that I will not remove it. Later the matter went to court. The court watched the film and granted permission for release after cutting only 24 seconds. Question: Is this also a victory for your conviction? Answer: Absolutely. If a filmmaker does not have confidence in his subject and story, how will he make a film? I showed what I thought was right. The ‘Jai Siyaram’ scene was asked to be removed, but I remained firm on my stand. Ultimately the court also understood our point. Question: Why was there so much debate on the ‘Jai Siyaram’ scene? Answer: In the film, a girl is asked who her God is, then she says ‘Jai Siyaram’. The censor had objection to this, but I said that this is the truth of the character. Later the court allowed most of the scenes to remain. Question: Why did you decide to release the film yourself? Answer: Today the system has changed a lot. Many people think of OTT first, but I believe that if the content is good then the film definitely runs in theatres. So I myself talked to the theater owners and decided to release the film in my own way. Question: Has it become difficult to release a film today? Answer: Very difficult. Tickets, theaters and the entire system have changed. Even films with good content get less chances. But I still believe that a good film will do. Question: Even after such a long career and working with big stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, do you have to struggle today? Answer: Struggle happens in every phase. I have worked with big stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Rekha, Madhuri Dixit. In those times work was based on relationships and trust. Today the system has changed, but my way of working has not changed. Question: Do you feel any difference between the stars of today and the stars of old? Answer: Earlier there was a lot of trust in the artists. Amitabh Bachchan had not even heard the story of ‘Aaj Ka Arjun’. Artists like Rajkumar used to say yes on the phone. Today things have become more corporate and system based. Question: Even after working with such big stars, why did you choose new faces in ‘Teesri Begum’? Answer: Innocence and reality were necessary in this story. If there were big stars, the audience’s attention would have been more on the star image than the character. I found the impact of the story more important. Question: Do you think the film will be accused of spreading propaganda? Answer: Maybe, but I am ready. My intention is not to speak against any community. I have always made social and family films. This is also the same kind of film. Question: What is your message to the Muslim community? Answer: We are all one. If wrong things are happening in a community, they should be stopped. Nothing should be made a prestige issue. Humanity is supreme. Question: Where does so much energy come from even at the age of 78? Answer: God’s grace and people’s love. I have always considered the film industry like worship. I remain disciplined and do my work honestly. Question: How difficult is it to remain so simple and honest in a competitive place like the film industry? Answer: If a person works with clear intentions then it is fun. I have always given importance to relationships and respect. This is the reason why people still give love after so many years. Question: What would you like to say to the audience? Answer: ‘Teesri Begum’ is a film to watch with the family. There is not only controversy in this, but also a message and solution for the society. I want people to watch it with an open mind.



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