Harinder Sikka has publicly criticized Meghna Gulzar’s adaptation of his novel Calling Sehmat into the film Raazi, describing it as his “gravest misjudgment.” Released in 2018 and starring Alia Bhatt, Raazi achieved both critical and commercial success, yet Sikka’s dissatisfaction has persisted since 2020.
Sikka, who regards Calling Sehmat as one of the top espionage novels globally, alleged that Gulzar’s portrayal diminished the true spirit of the protagonist. He stated, “The way Meghna Gulzar twisted the story through a leftist lens still pains me deeply,” indicating a significant ideological disagreement.
Despite being warned by others about trusting Gulzar, Sikka expressed regret over their collaboration, noting, “Errors don’t always come from stupidity. They often come from underestimating how shrewd or deceitful someone can be.” His criticisms extend beyond Raazi, as he has also voiced dissatisfaction with Gulzar’s portrayal of Sam Manekshaw in the film Sam Bahadur.
As Sikka’s literary work continues to find readers globally, he is currently adapting more of his books for the screen. His ongoing criticism of Gulzar highlights a broader conversation about fidelity in adaptations and the responsibilities of filmmakers in representing source material.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential responses from Meghna Gulzar or her team regarding Sikka’s allegations. Observers are keen to see how this public dispute may influence future adaptations of Sikka’s works or Gulzar’s projects.
