Dalit author who claimed Made In Heaven makers used her story and work without credit now accused of plagiarism herself

Dalit author Yashica Dutt who claimed Made In Heaven makers for using her story and work without giving credit has now been accused of plagiarism.

Days after the Dalit author Yashica Dutt slammed Made In Heaven makers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti for using her work ‘without permission or credit’, she has now been accused of plagiarism by another writer. On Twitter, writer and law scholar Sumit Baudh shared a report about Yashica blaming Zoya and Reema for using her work in the series without giving her credit.

While retweeting a news article, Sumit wrote, “Proprietary claims to ideas and stories are also characteristic of a system that rewards seemingly individual effort over interdependent ways in which ideas are conceived, shaped, formed, advanced, received, amplified, and encashed.” He further revealed that even Yashica has adapted and taken inputs from his article in her books, and has not given credit for it. “As a journalist and as a writer, ideas are how I survive,” she said. “If I’m not credited and they’ve made money on top of that, then that’s not okay.” Amusing to note the obvious hypocrisy here—of @YashicaDutt’s failure to credit my article (of 2007) in her book (of 2019).”

After the release of the series, episode 5 of Made In Heaven 2 sees a Dalit bride opt for a Buddhist wedding to reassert her caste identity and pride. While the episode has been praised for its sensitivity, Dalit author Yashica Dutt has now criticised the show and the makers for using her life story and work without permission. The episode in question is titled The Heart Skipped a Beat is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and stars Radhika Apte as the bride, a Dalit author credited with coining/popularising the phrase ‘coming out as a Dalit’.

A few days ago, the makers of the series dismissed Yashica’s claims. The makers released a long statement, summarised as “We are deeply disturbed with the misleading reports and comments in the context of author Yashica Dutt claiming formal credit for her ‘contribution’ to Made in Heaven, a show set around wedding planners and remarkable brides who challenge prejudices deeply ingrained in our society. ” The statement concluded saying, “We have immense respect for them and their experiences and their work that has admirably shed light on caste-based discrimination. Through his previous work and this episode, Neeraj Ghaywan has added to the discourse. We made this show with sincerity, passion, and a beating heart and are overwhelmed with the love we have received. We will continue to platform stories and voices that are truly bigger than us.”

Courtesy : DNA India

Note: This news piece was originally published in dnaindia.com and used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes exclusively for Human Right