An Indian film over caste discrimination against “untouchables” has been mired in controversy with protests from caste groups forcing the producers to cut parts of the film, highlighting deep-seated social tensions in the rising economic power. “Aarakshan”, which means reservation, explores quotas for lower castes in the government and educational institutions, affirmative action which upper caste, often wealthier Indians see as squeezing them out of jobs and college places. The film, starring Bollywood super stars Amitabh Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan, centres around an idealistic teacher who believes quotas are meant to provide opportunities to the weaker sections of society to help them succeed on their own merits. But many caste groups complained the film portrayed them in a negative light because of certain scenes in which characters say untouchables, known as “Dalits”, are dirty and fit to polish the shoes of their social betters. Behind India's modernization and growing cosmopolitanism, driven by accelerating economic growth, caste is a constant presence, playing roles as diverse as determining governments to denying access to common facilities like water and schools. “While the overall theme of the film is not objectionable, it is loaded with anti-Dalit and anti-reservation dialogues,” P.L. Punia, the chairman of the national commission for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes told local media.
