Santy Sharma Speaks Out on Film Title Controversy, Says “Art Should Never Hurt Identity”

Santy Sharma, a well-known Indian artist, has spoken out against the title of the new Netflix film "Ghooskhor Pandat", stating it is both disrespectful and far from the true sentiments of the Indian community. He has openly stated that he is Brahmin by birth and a “Pandit by karma”, and therefore he feels a deep personal connection with these issues of cultural sensitivity. He has said that by using the term “ghooskhor” (which has negative connotations) in connection with a respected identity (“Pandit”), the filmmakers are showing lack of good judgment and culturally insensitivity.

Sharma has said that when filmmakers create films that reach millions of people, they must have a social conscience. He believes that films are extremely powerful in informing and shaping public opinion. Using poor choice of language in public can have a long lasting effect on the greater community. He believes it is the filmmaker’s responsibility to create stories that are true to reality, and to do this without offending anyone. Sharma feels that there are many different ways to tell a story without causing harm to another individual.