The
real story:
Kiranjit Ahluwalia, a Sikh woman, both her
parents had died when she was 16 years old;
her brothers arranged for a match and got
her married to Deepak Ahulwalia from London.
Kiranjit moved to London with him. Deepak
was a obsessed, disturbed man accusing his
wife for too silly things. It was beginning
of the 10 years of violence and sexual abuse.
She was treated like a slave, beaten with
belts, forbade her to eat chillies, also kicked,
punched and slapped. She was forced to have
sex with him and she subsequently had two
children. One day she also tried to escape
but he found her and brought her right back.
She was not able to tolerate. On that fateful
night, when Deepak was in the bed sleeping,
Kiranjit poured kerosene around the bed-sheet.
Deepak woke up and stared at her. Frightened,
she threw the burning stick at him and ran
out. Ten days later, Deepak died of injuries
and Kiranjit was charged with his murder.
No matter what the provocation, the law considers
murder as a crime and she was convicted for
manslaughter and sentenced to life imprisonment.
However, with the help pf Southall Black Sisters,
a non-profit organization in London took up
the case and Kiranjit was released after serving
a sentence of three years and three months.
Alongside, the legal campaign, the Southall
Black Sisters mobilized public opinion, held
meetings, demos, media coverage and Kiranjit
became a household name.
The
Film – ‘Provoked’:
Kiranjit’s autobiography, “Circle
of Light”, co-authored by Rahil Gupta,
is now being made into a film, titled ‘Provoked’,
with Aishwarya Rai playing the role of Kiranjit.
Jagmohan Mundra, the director of the film
says that, “Kiranjit’s case was
all over the press in London. Soon after she
was convicted for manslaughter, when quizzed
by reporters on how she felt, a calm Kiranjit
replied, ‘Free’. It made me realize
the poor woman must have been through hell,
a death sentence had no effect on her. When,
I read her autobiography I was keen to make
a film that give a clear message – even
one slap is too many. Women need not put with
abuse and brutality.”
When in jail Kiranjit bonded with her English
cellmate who was instrumental in changing
Kiranjit’s personality. From a simple,
shy village girl she emerged a strong-willed
woman, having no regrets about what she had
done.
Today, many women are facing this crisis.
Many such stories are read in the news. This
particular story inspired Jagmohan because,
“ The story has three layers i) starts
with love and betrayl, ii) bonding with English
cellmate and iii) finally she emerges a winner.
She has a message to convey to the fellow
beings. All this makes for a great story”
said Jagmohan, director of the film.
When Aishwarya Rai was approached to do the
film she instantly agreed. “Domestic
violence is such a serious, offensive act
that I did not have a moment’s hesitation
in accepting the film. I have never played
a woman so brutally bused………
both physically and mentally. After we finished
the shooting I met Kiranjit…I hugged
her….she is truly a survivor”
says Aishwarya Rai.
