Meghna Gulzar Faces Criticism from Author Harinder Sikka
In a recent turn of events, author Harinder Sikka has openly criticized filmmaker Meghna Gulzar regarding her adaptation of his acclaimed novel, Calling Sehmat, into the 2018 film Raazi. Sikka, who described his novel as one of the top books on espionage globally, expressed that appointing Gulzar was his “gravest misjudgment.”
Despite Raazi achieving both critical and commercial success, Sikka has voiced dissatisfaction with the adaptation since 2020. He alleged that Gulzar’s portrayal diminished the true spirit of the protagonist, stating, “The way Meghna Gulzar twisted the story through a leftist lens still pains me deeply.”
Sikka’s concerns extend beyond Raazi. He has also criticized Gulzar’s depiction of Sam Manekshaw in the film Sam Bahadur, further emphasizing his discontent with her creative direction. “Trust, but verify,” he remarked, reflecting on the warnings he received from others about trusting Gulzar.
In a candid moment, Sikka expressed regret over collaborating with Gulzar, admitting, “Errors don’t always come from stupidity. They often come from underestimating how shrewd or deceitful someone can be.” His literary work continues to resonate with readers globally, and he is currently adapting more of his books for the screen.
As the conversation around Raazi and Sikka’s criticisms continues, observers are keen to see how this public dispute may influence future adaptations of his works. Details remain unconfirmed about any potential responses from Gulzar or her team regarding Sikka’s allegations.
