Farhan Akhtar’s support for ‘India’s Daughter’

After veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar voiced his strong opinion in favour of controversial documentary India’s Daughter, his son Farhan Akhtar has also come forward in support, saying filmmaker Leslee Udwin’s intent is not to defame India.

The documentary, which focused on the rape and murder of 23-year-old paramedic student Jyoti Singh, triggered an uproar over an interview of Mukesh Singh, one of six men who committed the crimes.

Farhan watched the documentary at its premiere in the US.

“Watched #IndiasDaughter last night at the US premiere in NYC. Raises some serious questions about the concept of masculinity...The filmmaker’s intent is clear. It is not to defame India but use an event that reverberated around the globe as the basis for her study,” Farhan posted on Twitter.

The actor-filmmaker, who himself launched a social campaign Man Against Racial Discrimination (Mard) in 2013 to promote gender equality and women empowerment, added: “The director’s focus on the aftermath, ie public outrage/protests/amendment of law, speaks volumes of our vibrant democracy.”

India’s Daughter documents the brutal assault of Jyoti on a moving bus when she was returning home with her male friend in December, 2013. It also features an interview with the victim’s parents.