Author Harinder Sikka Slams Meghna Gulzar for 'Ideological Bias' in 'Raazi' Adaptation
Harinder Sikka, the celebrated author of the 2008 spy thriller 'Calling Sehmat', which was adapted into the 2018 Alia Bhatt film 'Raazi', has taken to social media to voice his strong criticism of filmmaker Meghna Gulzar. Sikka posted on X about how his book remains a top espionage read globally, while simultaneously blasting Gulzar for what he describes as injecting "ideological bias" into the screen version of his novel.
Background of 'Calling Sehmat' and Its Adaptation
Based on true events, 'Calling Sehmat' follows the story of Sehmat, a young woman who is trained by India's Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) at her father's behest. She infiltrates as an undercover spy by marrying into a Pakistani military family, living a double life in Pakistan to pass crucial intelligence to India before the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The novel has gained international acclaim and continues to be a bestseller, with Sikka highlighting its enduring impact nearly two decades after publication.
Sikka's Allegations Against Meghna Gulzar
In his recent post, Sikka, a former Indian Navy officer, expressed deep regret over appointing Meghna Gulzar as the director for 'Raazi'. He wrote, "Calling Sehmat #Raazi ranks among the top books on espionage ever written, globally. It exposes Pakistan across the border, hostile forces in Bollywood & Punjab-based criminals within. Appointing Meghna Gulzar was my gravest misjudgement. Despite clear warnings, I failed to foresee how ideological bias would end up diminishing the true spirit of the protagonist."
Sikka further elaborated that the film adaptation twisted the narrative through a leftist lens, which he finds deeply painful. He also referenced Gulzar's handling of other projects, such as the biopic 'Sam Bahadur', where Vicky Kaushal played Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Sikka concurred with a user's criticism, stating, "The way Meghna Gulzar twisted the story through a leftist lens still pains me deeply. Film on the legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was no different. All the ugly #CONgress acts of ill treating the Field Marshal were missing. What kind of mindset diminishes patriots by bending truth to suit an agenda?"
History of Sikka's Criticisms
This is not the first time Sikka has attacked Meghna Gulzar over the adaptation. In 2020, he accused her of modifying his original narrative for the movie. On X at that time, he wrote, "At #Gulzar request, I signed @meghnagulzar as #Raazi Director. Why was the story tempered? Why was Tri-Colour not shown? Why was an attempt made to remove me from JLF? Why was the book launch delayed? Why was my name removed from fb, Twitter, and the media? Can we let more #SushantSinghRajput die?"
Despite these allegations, Meghna Gulzar has remained silent and has not publicly responded to Sikka's criticisms to date.
User Backlash and Sikka's Response
A user on social media hit back at Sikka's post, calling his regrets too late, which prompted him to admit that many had cautioned him against Meghna Gulzar. Others pointed out issues with her direction in 'Sam Bahadur', to which Sikka agreed, reinforcing his stance on the filmmaker's approach.
Future Projects and Legacy
Sikka mentioned that his other works, such as 'Vichhoda', 'Gobind', and 'The Chabimaster', are being scripted, as he believes the nation deserves to see the complete truth. His novel 'Calling Sehmat' continues to leave its mark worldwide, published by Penguin and remaining a staple in espionage literature.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between authors and filmmakers over creative control and ideological interpretations in adaptations, with Sikka's case serving as a prominent example in the Indian entertainment industry.
