Netflix Responds Over Bombay Begums' Alleged Inappropriate Depiction Of Children

Bombay Begums Netflix Controversy: Chairperson of National Commission For Protection of Child Rights(NCPCR), Priyank Kanoongo on Friday said that Netflix has responded to Bombay Begums' alleged inappropriate depictions of children.

He added that the streaming platform has asked for more time to examine the issue before addressing the concerns raised. NCPCR had earlier requested the streaming platform to stop streaming the web series Bombay Begums. The commission alleged that the series normalises children engaging in casual sex and using drugs. NCPCR had asked Netflix to submit an action report on the matter in 24 hours.

Content streaming platform Netflix submitted its response over alleged inappropriate depiction of children in its series 'Bombay Begums' and sought more time to examine matter and address concerns: National Commission For Protection of Child Rights chairperson Priyank Kanoongo

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 12, 2021

The commission raising objection on the series that released on March 8 said that scenes shown in the series "will not only pollute the young minds but may also result in abuse and exploitation of children".

The notice further added,"Netflix should take extra precaution while streaming any content in respect of the children or for the children and shall also refrain themselves from getting into such things."

“Therefore, you are directed to look into this matter and immediately stop streaming of this series and furnish a detailed action report within 24 hours, failing which the Commission will be constrained to initiate appropriate action pursuant to the provisions of Section 14 of the CPCR (Commission for Protection of Child Rights) Act, 2005.”

Bombay Begum's series has a big star cast of mostly women. Stars Pooja Bhatt, Shahana Goswami, Amruta Subhash and Plabita Borthakur in lead roles. The show has been directed by filmmaker Alankrita Shrivastava. Read our review here.

Alankrita while speaking to SheThePeople called the series a women-centric narrative. She said that she is drawn to stories about women. "I must say that my aim is not to be known for X or Y, I think that it is actually to tell the story that I feel drawn to and passionate about. Somehow, those stories are about women and their experiences."