Dhadak 2’s Savarna Feminism: When ‘Love’ is a Privilege, Not a Feeling Is Dhadak 2 a Love Story or a Story of Savarna Entitlement?
Dhadak 2 (a remake of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal directed by Mari Selvaraj) like Dhadak (a remake of the Marathi film Sairat directed by Nagraj Manjule) follows the trope of a Brahmin girl (Vidhi) meeting a Dalit boy (Neelesh). If it feels harsh to call it a trope, consider how in both Fandry and Masaan, it is a fair-skinned Brahmin girl and a dark-skinned Dalit boy. It’s important we acknowledge these tropes as they form rather than being isolated in a state of gratefulness for a seat at the table. When you search Dhadak 2 on Google, this is what comes up: “Nilesh and Vidhi fall in love with each other. However, tragedy strikes when the caste differences threaten to end their relationship.” Vidhi and Neelesh meet and become friends, but it is Vidhi who is in a position to “fall in love”. In the journey from friends to lovers, who has the privilege of this realization? This uncertain space of the in-between is not equal for all. Love does not suspend our identities. To realize that one is in love with a friend requires freedom of the mind and heart. Neelesh is not allowed this freedom. Dalits are not allowed this freedom. There is a monologue where he struggles to explain his existence to Vidhi, let alone the price that he would have to pay for them breaking caste rules. Caste informs every aspect of both these individuals’ lives but only one of them could ignore it. Both are law students but she comes from a lineage of lawyers while Neelesh is the first in his bloodline to become one. When asked by their professor, she did not hesitate to say her full name, Vidhi Bharadwaj. Yet, when Neelesh Ahirwar spoke to her about being harassed for his last name, she dismissed him saying, “that professor is like that with everyone.” There is no such thing as caste neutrality, only pride and shame. Tragedy has informed Neelesh’s life since the “accident of his birth” in Bhim Nagar. We see this in the opening of the film where a Dalit boy is being murdered and the scene cuts to it coming up casually in a conversation between Neelesh and his friends, as they all lived in the same area. We see a glimpse of his pain in a flashback where the police arrest him and his friends, and assault his mother for “stealing water”. In contrast, tragedy was introduced to Vidhi when she associated outside acceptability by speaking and spending time with a Dalit boy. The tragedy being, her not getting what she wanted, with no regard for the safety of the person she claims to love. Unlike Jo (from Pariyerum Perumal, the character Vidhi is based on) who is naïve, Vidhi is selectively critical. She sees the injustice of gender as she is the victim in this framing but fails to acknowledge her position as an oppressor in terms of caste. When Neelesh points out their differences, her response is to argue that their differences are not her fault. “Love heals all” is easy to say when you’re not the one who’s wounded. If Jo followed the “loosu ponnu” (dumb girl) stereotype of infantilizing women to be completely unaware of their surroundings, Vidhi is a Savarna feminist who does not acknowledge her complicity in caste oppression. She comes close to this when she offers to teach Neelesh English and Latin saying her privilege should be of some use. This was after Neelesh confided in her about an incident of caste violence he experienced. She could see caste when it was a story from his past, when the villains were strangers, but she could not see it in her family, in her brother, her father, herself. When asked about Neelesh’s last name by her family, she boldly, almost rebelliously said “Ahirwar” but later behaved cluelessly when he “disappeared” at the family function she invited him to. The idea that her family harmed him or were even capable of committing harm did not even occur to her. Caste differences did not threaten to end the relationship. It couldn’t be formed in the first place. Not only because of her family’s cruelty but also her own oblivion. What does it mean to be in a relationship, to love, if not to truly see the other person? bell hooks argues that the phrase “falling in love” suggests that love is something that just happens when it actually takes conscious effort. She speaks about how our behaviour shapes our feelings rather than it being the other way around. “To think of actions shaping feelings is one way we rid ourselves of conventionally accepted assumptions such as…that one simply falls in love without exercising will or choice” (hooks, 2000, p. 13). “When we are loving we openly and honestly express care, affection, responsibility, respect, commitment and trust” (hooks, 2000, p. 14). A core belief of hooks is that love cannot co-exist with abuse. Can we think of neglect as a form of abuse? If Vidhi has no idea of the pain her caste and her blood inflicts on someone she loves, can what she felt for Neelesh, even be called love? I wonder if the value we attach to the Dalit man is relationally conditional to the Savarna woman’s feelings about him. Is it because he is loved by an upper caste woman that the audience is supposed to care about him? If this typical Dalit boy meets Brahmin girl is flipped to Dalit girl meets Brahmin boy, would an audience care about a Dalit girl’s feelings the same way? Would they be moved by her tears? Much like how white women’s tears are weaponized, our caste counterpart of Savarna women’s tears holds true as well. After escaping a murder attempt from Vidhi’s family, Neelesh puts forth his “case” expressing how he has been relentlessly tortured by them but this was not respected by the plot; this did not bring about any resolution.
Dalit teen abducted, forced to prostrate before caste Hindus in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai
Madurai: A 17-year-old Dalit boy from Sankampatti village in Usilampatti, Madurai, was allegedly abducted and humiliated by a group of caste Hindus who forced him to prostrate before them. The incident occurred on January 16, but police registered a case only on January 18, sparking outrage from rights groups. According to the teenager’s complaint, members of the dominant caste abducted him when he returned home for the Pongal holidays. He alleged that the group hurled casteist slurs, beat him, and forced him to prostrate before each member present, including a six-year-old child. The boy’s relative, advocate Deviammal, further alleged that the attackers urinated on him before releasing him after learning that police had been alerted. The Usilampatti police have registered an FIR against six individuals, invoking provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 296(b) and 351(2), along with Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. However, the police denied the allegation that the accused urinated on the boy. “The case has been registered based on the teenager’s complaint. The claim about urination is not true. Further investigation is underway,” officials stated. The Neelam Cultural Centre condemned the delay in filing the FIR, accusing the police of shielding the accused. “The police registered the FIR only on January 18 even though the complaint was lodged on January 16. This shows their bias,” the group posted on X. The boy, who is undergoing treatment at the Usilampatti Government Hospital, remains traumatised. Relatives also accused the police of trying to weaken the case by misrepresenting his age as 19 instead of 17. facebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonwhatsapp sharing buttonlinkedin sharing buttonemail sharing buttonprint sharing button Courtesy : Vartha Bharati Note: This news is originally published on https:/varthabharati.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
For the first time in a village in Gujarat, a Dalit youth got his hair cut at a barber shop – a centuries-old tradition broken
In Alwada village of Banaskantha, a Dalit youth got his hair cut at a barber shop for the first time, a historic step towards social equality. Banaskantha – A historic event took place on 7 August in Alwada village of Banaskantha district of Gujarat. Kiran (Kirti) Chauhan, a 24-year-old farm labourer of the village, got his hair cut at the village barber shop for the first time. This occasion became a symbol of freedom from the social shackles that had been going on for generations for the Dalit community, not just a haircut. Broken wall of generations About 250 Dalit families live in Alwada village with a population of about 6,500. But this discrimination was going on here for generations that the barbers of the village did not cut the hair of Dalits. Dalits were forced to go to other villages to visit barber shops and many times had to hide their caste. 58-year-old Chhogaji Chauhan says, “Our ancestors used to face this discrimination even before independence. And my children have also been facing the same for the last eight decades.” This experience was very emotional for Kirti Chauhan. He said, “For the first time in 24 years, I sat on the chair of the barber in my village. Earlier we always had to go out. That day I felt that I have been accepted in my own village and am free.” Initiative of social workers and administration In the continuous efforts of the Dalit community, they got the support of social worker Chetan Dabhi. He explained to the upper castes and barbers of the village that this practice is unconstitutional. When the matter did not work out with the explanation, the police and the district administration had to intervene. Mamlatdar Janak Mehta held a meeting with the village leaders and resolved the issue. At the same time, Gram Sarpanch Suresh Chaudhary expressed regret over the past discrimination and said that it is a matter of happiness for him to see this change happening during his tenure. Now all the five barber shops of the village welcome Dalit customers. Barbers and upper castes have also accepted the change Pintu, a 21-year-old barber who cut Kirti’s hair, said, “We used to do this due to tradition. But now that the elders have given permission, there is no restriction. Our business has also increased due to this.” People from the upper castes are also satisfied with this change. Prakash Patel from the Patidar community said, “If everyone can come to my grocery shop, then why not to the barber shop? It is good that this wrong practice has ended now.” A long journey still remains Although this change is commendable, the Dalit community believes that discrimination has not ended completely. Dalit farmer Ishwar Chauhan says, “Today we have got a place in the barber shop, but we are still made to sit separately in the community feast. Hopefully, one day this will also end.” For Alwada village, this haircut is not just an ordinary event, but a big step towards respect, acceptance and equality. As the villagers say, “This is not just a haircut, but a new beginning.” Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Such brutality with a Dalit youth in Muzaffarnagar: The mob beat him to death on suspicion of theft
Villagers in Budhana town brutally beat a 30-year-old Dalit youth on suspicion of theft, he died at home due to lack of treatment; police started investigation. Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh): A 30-year-old Dalit youth was beaten to death by villagers in Budhana town of the district on Sunday night on suspicion of theft. Police confirmed this on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Monu. The complaint filed by the family states that the villagers beat Monu badly on suspicion of theft. He somehow reached home but died late night. Quoted by the media, Superintendent of Police (Rural) Aditya Bansal said, “No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Strict action will be taken against the culprits.” Police said that a video of the incident is going viral on social media, with the help of which the accused are being identified. Some people have also been detained and questioned. Monu’s body has been sent for postmortem and investigation into the case is underway. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News
Sensation in JNU: Casteist abuses on Ambedkar Library table, anger erupts in campus, who is behind this?
The protesters stressed that spreading such hatred in a library named after Dr. Ambedkar is reprehensible. The rally also demanded that awareness campaigns be run in the university and anti-discrimination policies be strictly implemented. New Delhi – Casteist and misogynistic abuses written on a table in the General Reading Hall of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Central Library of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have shocked the student community. Unknown persons wrote casteist and misogynistic abuses, including hateful words like “Chamar $#d ” and “Chamar ki maa ki &%$” on a study table in the General Reading Hall of the library. Students said that the incident is not only derogatory against the Dalit community, but it is also an attack on the progressive image of this university, which is known for social justice. Student activists have termed it as an open display of Brahminical mindset. Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students Association (BAPSA), an organisation fighting for the rights of Bahujan students, took prompt action on the incident. On August 18, BAPSA filed a formal complaint at the Vasant Kunj North police station. In its letter, the organisation demanded that an FIR be lodged against the culprits under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. BAPSA also requested that the CCTV footage of the library be secured and made available for investigation so that the culprits could be identified. BAPSA president Avichal Varkey said such incidents are intolerable. Varkey termed the incident not only as disgraceful but also as an act that made the campus unsafe for students from SC, ST and other marginalised communities. He said, “This is not an isolated incident but a major attack on Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs and religious minorities by the BJP-RSS regime. Such incidents expose the Brahminical mindset that led to the writing of slogans like ‘Dalit India Quit’ and ‘Chamar India Quit’ on the walls of Cauvery Hostel. BAPSA will continue to fight against these casteist goons and raise the voice of marginalised students inside and outside the campus.” Along with the police complaint, BAPSA mobilised the anger of the students and held a massive protest outside the Central Library in the evening. The rally was attended by a large number of Bahujan and progressive minded students who showed solidarity by raising slogans against casteism and hatred. BAPSA leaders including Karyakarta Kranti and Rupesh Kumar called the incident part of a larger scale attack on Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs and minorities. The protesters stressed that spreading such hatred in a library named after Dr Ambedkar is reprehensible. The rally also demanded awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of anti-discrimination policies in the university. The protest was also supported by other student organisations. The Students Federation of India (SFI) JNU unit took part in the rally and strongly condemned the “open casteism” in the library. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) also submitted a complaint to the chief librarian and demanded immediate administrative action. JNUSU joint secretary Vaibhav Meena said in a statement that such narrow-mindedness has no place in the temple of knowledge and all students must unite and reject it. Many users reacted sharply to the incident on social media, especially on Twitter. Users shared pictures of abusive words written on the table and criticised the silence on Dalit issues in society. Many posts expressed anger over how such an act could happen in a library named after Ambedkar. BAPSA shared videos and pictures of the rally from its official handle, with their message clear: “We will not remain silent.” Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit youth brutally attacked, robbed in Gujarat, third caste-based atrocity in 21 days
A Dalit youth on Saturday was brutally thrashed, robbed, and threatened with death in Junagadh, Gujarat, marking the third caste-based atrocity in the state in just 21 days. The incident occurred when the victim, who had gone to meet a friend, was lured into a trap by a boy claiming his brother was being taken away. At the Swami Vivekanand School ground, three upper-caste youths, led by Hitesh and two others, confronted him. The video of the attack, which went viral, shows that upon learning his background from Kadiawad, the assailants verbally abused him with casteist slurs and beat him with belts and sticks, leaving visible injuries. They also stole his mobile phone and threatened to kill him if he reported the matter to the police. A case has been registered at Junagadh A Division Police Station under multiple IPC sections. Separate police teams have been formed to apprehend the accused. DySP Hitesh Dhandhaliya assured that “strict legal action will be taken at the earliest.” Earlier, on August 11, 2025, in Khambhaliya (Ozat) village, Junagadh district, a Dalit youth, Sagar Makwana, and his father-in-law, Jivanbhai Wala, were brutally assaulted after the attackers objected to Sagar keeping a beard and mustache, claiming it was reserved for “upper castes.” Courtesy : Maktoob Media Note: This news is originally published on https:/maktoobmedia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Private hostel owner booked for harassing Dalit girl, roommate
Varanasi: A Dalit girl NEET aspirant from Jaunpur district, staying at a private hostel in Durgakund area under Bhelupur police station, was sexually harassed allegedly by the hostel owner. According to reports, he also attempted to target her roommate on Saturday. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bhelupur Gaurav Kaumar said that on receiving complaint from the girl’s father, Bhelupur police lodged FIR against the accused hostel owner under sections of BNS, Pocso and SC/ST Act. An investigation into the matter had begun and proper action would be taken based on its outcomes, he added. In his complaint, the girl’s father alleged that the hostel owner not only harassed his daughter but also threatened her with dire consequences if she told anyone, using caste-based slurs against her. On Friday, he alleged, the hostel owner harassed her classmate too, who somehow pushed him away and ran to her room, locking herself inside. Failing to target her, the hostel owner started harassing his daughter. The girl’s father mentioned that the hostel owner’s wife also hurled abuses at the daughter and her classmate and threatened to kill them. Bhelupur police said as the case registered in this connection also comprises sections of SC/ST Act, further action would be taken after detailed investigation by the ACP. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Basti, a minor girl was gang-raped after being locked in a room, beaten and thrown out, boys from another community accused
Basti news: Three youths from another community gang-raped a minor Dalit girl in Basti. The accused beat her up and threw her out of the house threatening to kill her. A very disgusting incident has come to light from Basti in Uttar Pradesh, which has created a stir in the entire area. Here, a minor Dalit girl was gang-raped by three boys from another community after being locked in a room. Here, the accused beat up the victim and threw her out threatening to kill her. The pain of the victim did not end here, when she reached the police station with a complaint, the policemen made her run for half an hour saying that she will be there for ten minutes. When the leaders of Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh started a protest against this incident, then a case could be registered against the accused. Police teams have been formed to arrest the accused. Minor kidnapped and gangraped The incident is from a village in Sonha police station area where three boys from the Muslim community of the village gangraped a minor girl. The victim’s mother told in the complaint that on August 16 at 9:00 am, her daughter was going to the grocery store when the accused kidnapped her by closing her mouth and raped her in turns for 3 hours. During this time, the accused kept guarding the room by locking it so that no one could find out. When the family members searched for the daughter, they came to know about the entire incident. The accused beat up the victim badly and threw her out of the house threatening to kill her. Hindu organizations protested After the case came to light, Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh reached the police station and registered a complaint of the victim’s family. District President of the Mahasangh, Akhilesh Kumar Singh said that this is the situation when the government claims about the safety of daughters in Uttar Pradesh. But the reality is that daughters are being brutalized openly. After taking action, the police is trying to suppress the case. The police has registered a complaint in this case. Additional Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Singh said that on the basis of the application, a case has been registered against the accused and action is being taken to arrest them. The victim will be given a medical checkup. The police has gone to the village for investigation. The accused will not be spared. By: Satish Shrivastava Courtesy: Hindi News
A snip of freedom: Banaskantha village ends Dalit haircut ban
Aalwada (Banaskantha): In a moment as symbolic as it was long overdue, a barber’s scissors in Aalwada village cut through decades of caste prejudice. On Aug 7, 24-year-old farm labourer Kirti Chauhan became the first Dalit ever to walk into a barber’s shop in the village and get a haircut. It felt like an early Independence day for the community as all five barber shops opened their doors to Scheduled Castes for the first time. For generations, the 250-odd Dalits in this 6,500-strong village were denied service by local barbers and forced to travel to other villages, often concealing their identity for something as basic as grooming. That changed last week after months of dialogue, when elders from all communities agreed to end the unwritten ban. “I am the first Dalit to get a haircut here. Ever since I can remember, we had to go to other towns for basic grooming. In 24 years of my life, I finally felt free and accepted in my own village,” said an emotional Kirti Chauhan. The breakthrough followed persistent efforts by the Dalit community, supported by local activist Chetan Dabhi. Their campaign involved sensitising upper-caste residents and barbers about the unconstitutional nature of the practice. Where persuasion failed, the police and district administration stepped in. Village sarpanch Suresh Chaudhary admitted, “As sarpanch, I felt guilty about the earlier practice. I am proud it ended during my tenure.” The district administration, led by mamlatdar Janak Mehta, played a crucial role in resolving the issue. “We addressed complaints of discrimination and worked with village leaders to ensure a harmonious resolution,” Mehta said. “Small cut, big change,” is how Dalits describe this first step towards social equality. Chhogaji Chauhan, 58, recalls, “We have walked miles for a haircut. My father faced this before independence, and my children endured it nearly eight decades after.” Now, barbers are welcoming all customers. Pintoo Nai, 21, who gave Kirti his historic haircut, said, “We simply followed society’s diktat earlier. Once the elders agreed to change, it was no longer prohibited. It’s also good for business.” Activist Chetan Dabhi explained, “Many resisted change despite months of sensitisation. Only after constant intervention by police and the district administration did the upper castes agree.” Even members of dominant communities backed the move. Prakash Patel, a Patidar, said, “If customers are welcome at my grocery store, why not at a barber’s shop? We’re glad the wrong practice is gone.” While celebrating the change, Ishwar Chauhan, a Dalit farmer, noted that prejudice lingers. “We still face separate seating at community feasts. I hope that will change too Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Suspicious death of Dalit youth: Suicide note makes serious allegations including police beating and casteist slurs
Victim made serious allegations of beating, casteist slurs and harassment against constable and PSI before his death, kin demand Rs 50 lakh compensation Chikkamagaluru. A 27-year-old Dalit youth from Samase village in Kalasa taluk of Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka committed suicide on Wednesday. In his suicide note, the deceased alleged that he was beaten and abused by a Kudremukh police employee. The deceased has been identified as Nagesh, a resident of Bastigadde. According to information, Nagesh had lodged a complaint against constable Siddesh at Kudremukh police station on July 15. The complaint alleged that Siddesh thrashed him and made casteist remarks. According to the complaint, the incident took place around 10:30 pm when Nagesh was returning in his autorickshaw. On the way, he saw Siddesh and two locals standing on the road, whose car was blocking the way. As it was dark, Nagesh moved ahead with his mobile phone torch light. Siddesh suspected that Nagesh was clicking pictures of them while drinking alcohol, following which he allegedly thrashed and abused him. Family members say that instead of taking action on Nagesh’s complaint, the police registered a case against him for obstructing government work. The police had seized his autorickshaw and pesticide spray machine. Though he later got bail, he was unable to release his vehicle due to financial constraints and also feared further police harassment. In the suicide note, Nagesh accused constable Siddesh of torturing him and also named PSI Aadarsh, alleging that they did not take any action on his complaint. Family members and locals staged a protest after Nagesh’s death. They demanded that Siddesh and Aadarsh be dismissed from service and a compensation of Rs 50 lakh be given to the victim’s family. However, the police have started investigating the case. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy : Hindi News