The latest Indian original series on Netflix, Jamtara, has come under scrutiny for incorporating a casteist slur directed at the Dalit community. This incident has ignited conversations about the use of derogatory language within fictional media, paralleling a broader discussion around racial slurs in the United States. Notable filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, who is known for his works such as Django Unchained and Pulp Fiction, have defended the inclusion of such terms as reflections of their characters’ environments. Conversely, filmmakers like Spike Lee have voiced their disapproval. Supporters of Tarantino, including actor Samuel L. Jackson, contend that context plays a crucial role in the application of these terms, arguing that their use is not exclusive to African American contexts.
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In the fifth episode of Jamtara, the contentious casteist slur is spoken by Brajesh Bhan, portrayed by Amit Sial, a conniving local politician from the so-called upper castes. This remark is directed at Rocky (Anshumaan Pushkar), a con artist from the lower castes. Gadgets 360 contacted Netflix for a statement from the show’s writer, Trishant Srivastava, and director, Soumendra Padhi, but the streaming platform declined to comment. Historically, Netflix has asserted its commitment to respecting the creative freedom of its artists. Additionally, a disclaimer is included at the beginning of each episode of Jamtara, indicating that the series is a work of fiction.
On social media, a prominent fan account dedicated to B.R. Ambedkar, a key figure in India’s constitutional development and a champion of Dalit rights, has called for police action against Netflix for allowing such language in its programming. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989 outlines penalties for the use of casteist slurs; however, it remains uncertain whether this legislation applies to fictional characters in a scripted series. Many critics argue that the mere inclusion of such terms contributes to their normalization in society.
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Dr. Afroz Taj, an associate professor specializing in South Asian Languages at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, commented on the issue while speaking to Gadgets 360. He remarked, “Though I have not viewed the show in question, I maintain that casteist slurs should not be utilized, even under the premise of authenticity or creative license. This discussion parallels the ongoing debate in the United States regarding the prohibition of racist slurs in commercial film and television.”
