Renowned screenwriter Javed Akhtar who is celebrated for his contributions to Indian cinema recently opened up about a scene in the 1972 classic “Seeta Aur Geeta” that he now regrets writing. While speaking in an interview, Javed Akhtar highlighted how his perspective on storytelling and societal messaging has evolved over the decades.
Javed Akhtar referred to a specific moment in the film where Dharmendra’s character praises the food at a meal and later learns that it was prepared by Geeta (played by Hema Malini). The character who had previously shown no respect for Geeta despite the fact that she is his business partner, suddenly starts viewing her with admiration after discovering her cooking skills.
Javed Akhtar stated that in the movie, Geeta is shown as a strong and independent character but Dharmendra’s character starts respecting her only after she cooks good and tasty food which gives an impression that a woman is respected only after she fulfills the domestic roles. Akhtar added that he wrote that scene and he pleads guilty for that but he won’t write that scene today.
Released in 1972, “Seeta Aur Geeta” was directed by Ramesh Sippy and featured Hema Malini in a double role as the titular twin sisters. The film, inspired by “Ram Aur Shyam” (1967), flipped the script by making a female character the driving force of the narrative. It showcased themes of resilience, empowerment and justice. However, the scene Javed Akhtar mentioned contrasts sharply with these themes, reinforcing outdated gender norms.
Javed Akhtar’s regret stems from the realisation that such depictions can shape societal attitudes. He said that Geeta is Dharmendra’s business partner who performs on streets with him but that doesn’t earn his respect, only her ability to cook food earns his respect and this certainly sends wrong message.
Despite this scene, “Seeta Aur Geeta” remains a beloved film for its engaging story, humour and strong performances. Hema Malini’s portrayal of the two contrasting sisters has cemented her status as one of the most iconic actors of Bollywood. The screenplay, penned by the legendary duo Salim-Javed, helped elevate the film to classic status, blending drama, comedy and action.
Javed Akhtar’s reflection underscores the importance of revisiting past works with a critical lens. It also highlights how societal values and storytelling priorities evolve over time. As one of Bollywood’s most influential writers, Javed Akhtar’s acknowledgment of this flaw serves as a reminder to creators about the impact of their narratives on cultural perceptions.
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