"Changing one life at a time"

She dares to make documentaries on the hush-hush topics which others are even afraid to talk about. She does not intend to set boundaries for herself, rather she lives to go beyond the boundaries. Vibha Bakshi, in short, is a reality apart her recent documentary, ‘Son Rise’, talks about the burning issue that has gripped the state of Haryana. In conversation with Rishi Kumar (Rishi) Bagla, Director, OMR Bagla Automotive, Systems India, at the recently organised CII’s WomeNation Summit, in Mumbai, Vibha, is a National Award winning filmmaker, spoke her heart out about the state of Haryana, her documentary, ‘Son Rise’, the revolutionary men of Haryana and much more

The jam-packed conference hall broke into a pin drop silence as the four-minute sneak-peak of the Vibha’s latest documentary “Son Rise” was playing. The audience was shocked, a few burst out into tears while others were left pondering about the apathy. Whilst showcasing the harsh reality of female feticide that clutches Haryana, the documentary also spoke about a few good men who are trying to embrace the change by accepting this reality. Corporate Citizen brings you the excerpts...

Rishi Kumar Bagla: Your documentary film, ‘Son Rise’ has become the talk of the nation owing to the way you have touched this sensitive topic of illegal yet rampant female feticide. The documentary has gained enough momentum bringing several laurels to you as well. How does it feel to be appreciated by all?

Vibha Bakshi: To begin with, I’m a struggling filmmaker. It’s always a struggle when someone is fighting for a social issue. And when the Unit-ed Nations notices your struggle and decides to partner with you, it brings in a ray of hope for many. ‘Daughters of Mother India’ was a try of conscious and that’s how the film came into being. What I feel is, change cannot be forced. Change is a jolt of realisation and acceptance. Of course, I was delighted when the movie won the National Award. But for me, the moment of truth was when we were able to screen this movie for thousands of police officers, who are the pioneers of justice makers. Which meant unless the police officers aren’t sensitised, jus-tice will not be delayed, it will be denied! I’m grateful that this movie is a part of the National Police Academy, where the movie is screened for every police officer who enters the acade-my. And when they realise the need of the hour, that’s when the change begins.

Incidentally, all your movies/documentaries have become a hit. It is great to see them strike the right note with the people. With that comes fame and recognition. How do you handle that and find the middle ground to live a balanced life?

‘Son Rise’ was recently announced with the National Award as well. Frankly, for me winning such a prestigious award means that the film will be exposed to an array of people. It is a gateway to the door which when opened can give courage to several others to screen the film, in turn, gunning for a revolution-an uprising where people live in harmony by keep-ing aside their differences. With several organisations screening this film means that the chance of this movie getting banned is zero. That’s what fame and rec-ognition are all about, reaching more and more people and stirring in a revolution.

Your movie, ‘Son Rise’ speaks and shows the side of India which we all refuse to see. The movie indeed comes from your heart and your passion is evident. As far as I know, ‘Son Rise’ is a three-story built into one striking movie. Shot in Haryana, each story is extremely relevant and powerful, and probably not much aligned to the male mindset of the region. Tell us a bit about the movie and talk about the challenges you faced while shooting.

Rishi Kumar Bagla with Vibha Bakshi

We spent two years filming in Haryana. And as a woman, going in the interiors of this town was exigent and to some extent scary as well. Patriarchy and gender bias were pretty evident. So much so that, the biggest Khap leader who was filmed in this movie, refused to make eye contact with me during the interview. He looked everywhere but at me. The documentary showcases all the real people and their stories. No scripts, no retakes, no written dialogues-this movie is what we found and that is what is documented.

While screening ‘Daughters of Moth-e r India’, I heard about a farmer from Haryana, who dared to marry a gang rape survivor. I did not have any addi-tional information about this man. But with the police of Haryana, I was able to locate to him. That’s how we found our hero, Jitender Chattar.

During the shoot of the documentary, the eight men who gang raped the girl got a whiff about our film. I remember going to the police and asking for police protection. I was petrified. There were places where my cellphone would lose connectivity and I could do nothing but pray for my well-being. Yes, I did fear for my life. I would pray to the Almighty to give us the strength to finish this film. During this venture, or rather always through my endeavour of life, my husband has been a constant support. He has inspired me and given the strength to see this movie to its fruition.

The documentary showcases a few brave men of Haryana, who have the nerves of steel to break the barriers. These are men are bringing in the positive change. I feel, filming the movie wasn’t the bravest part, rather it’s the people of Haryana who dared to live and tell their story. This film is dedicated to the men who have challenged the status quo. It’s these men, without thinking about the consequences, who are fighting the men, in order to change the narrative.

"I feel, filming the movie, ‘Son Rise’ wasn’t the bravest part, rather it’s the people of Haryana who dared to live and tell their story. This film is dedicated to the men who have challenged the status quo”

This surely is the burning topic. But is talking really going to help? As soon as such sensitive topics reach the mass-es, they should start acting on it. Only then, we can see a bright future for India. Coming a lighter topic, Vibha, you have been a journalist who started CNBC in India and not forgetting that you are the champion when it comes to filmmaking on delicate topics. So, is there a story be-hind as to what triggered you to do what you are doing?

I’m grateful to have found this path. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this field. Frankly, I’m just a storyteller, there are plenty of others who are cre-ating waves and changing the norms of society. They are the ones who are fighting to bring in the social change. And if in any way, I get the chance to push in the needle, I consider myself privi-leged. Success for me is if we are able to change a life one story at a time. And that’s exactly what we are doing!

I would like to share a story that really shook me. While shooting Daughters of Mother India, I heard about a five-year-old girl, who was gang-raped in the nearby town. Upon reaching the crime scene, I was shattered to see the condition of the child. We rushed her to the hospital and prayed for her well-being.

The impact of the event was grave where I just couldn’t find the courage to continue my job. To which my husband said, ‘You cannot unsee what you’ve seen. However, the only clo-sure you’ll get is when the movie is completed and a life is changed.’ And that is exactly what gives us strength and courage to continue doing our work.