SOCIOLOGY

SEMESTER - I

UTSAV

HARDIK NAIN

2016 021
 INDEX

INTRODUCTION 3

PLOT 3

THEME 6

YOUR CONTRIBUTION 10

BIBLIOGRAPHY 11
INTRODUCTION –

Utsav is a 1984 hindi drama film, Vasantsena, a courtesan who dances at the King
Palaka’s court hides in Charudatta’s house while running away from the ardent
attention of the Samasthanak, King’s brother-in-law. She hides in Charudatta’s
house where she falls in in love with him. Meanwhile, the rightful heir of the
throne Aryak, who is also the brother of the king, escapes from prison. When he
is pursued by the king Charudatta helps him, who then with the help of his aide
tries to plot a revolution against the king. The brother-in-law of king strangles
Vasantasena when she refuses to submit him and gets strangulated by him, and
puts the blame on Charudatta. When Charudatta tries to pawn the jewels of
Vasantasena (which she left after the first night), gets arrested for her murder. As
Charudutt is about to get beheaded, Aryak and his men declare a revolution,
dethrone the king and begin a new state. Seeing Charudatta return home, his wife
(Aditi) jumps with joy and both of them resume their lives, forgetting
Vasantasena altogether. Vasatasena, who survived the attack ,realising the
ephemeral nature of love in her life, returns to her brothel and sees Samasthanak
falling at her doorstop, now a civilian, sans his arrogance and power. She
welcomes him inside, resuming the life of a courtesan.1

The sociological issue raised in the movie was of

PLOT -

1) Cast
Rekha as Vasantsena Shekhar Suman as Charudatta
Neena Gupta as Mandolika Annu Kapoor as Masseur
Kunal Kapoor as Aryak Shashi Kapoor as Samsthanak
Amjad Khan as Vatsyayan Harish Patel as Maitrey
Kulbhushan Kharbanda as Anonymous revolutionary
Anupam Kher as Sansthanak's friend Shankar Nag as Sajjal
Yunus Parvez as Masseur's owner Anuradha Patel as Aditi

Director - Girish Karnad

Producer - Shashi Kapoor2

1
http://visionsofcinema.blogspot.in/2012/09/utsav-seductive-celebration.html
2
http://parallelcinema.blogspot.in/2005_08_01_archive.html
2) Storyline

The sutradhar introduces us to a motley group of characters –the beautiful nagar

vadhu Vasantsena (Rekha) fleeing from the lecherous Samsthanak (Shashi
Kapoor), the brother-in-law of the cruel King Paalak; revolutionaries, headed by
Aryaka (Kunal Kapoor), and his nameless political advisor (Kulbhushan
Kharbanda) plotting to overthrow the king; Sajjal (Shankar Nag), a thief, and his
beloved, Madanika (Neena Gupta), a slave in Vasantsena’s household; Teli
(Annu Kapoor), the royal masseur gambling away wealth that he does not
possess; Charudutt (Shekhar Suman), a poor brahmin playing his flute and not
listening to his friend Maitreya (Harish Patel) mourning their poverty.
Charudutt’s wife, Aditi (Anooradha), has taken their son Rohit (a young Master
Manjunath in his debut), and gone away to her parents’ home after another fight
over his immoral ways – his love for music has seen him go through his savings
and her jewellery. Charudutt wants Maitreya to escort their maid Radha (Gopi
Desai) to his in-laws’ house. Tired and panic-stricken, Vasantsena rushes into the
dark compound to hide, just as Maitreya and Radha step out. Vasantsena is ready
to leave when he breaks into a song. She is drawn into the house. She trips over
his son’s toys and Charudutt thinks Radha has returned.

He later realises his mistake. He gets to know that its not his wife Vasantsena is
no less afflicted, but she masters herself enough to explain her presence.
Charudutt offers to escort her, but she does not mind going alone. However, to
foil thieves, she leaves her jewellery in his keeping. The night passes and lovelorn
Vasantsena returns home. Vatsyayana is still researching new sexual positions
and he makes periodic stops at the brothel for purposes of research. His disciple
manages to spot a new position in one of the rooms. Outside the brothel, Teli is
unsuccessfully trying to sell himself to pay off his debts. Aryaka’s nameless
friend rescues him, out of the goodness of his heart – or so Teli thinks. But, no.
His rescuer has an ulterior motive – as the royal masseur, Teli is free to walk into
the palace. With his help, the revolutionaries could stage a coup. Teli demurs. He
is no soldier. In his bid to escape, he gives Vatsyayana a glimpse of the 30th
asana .In the meantime, Sajjal has found his way into the brothel, and hides in
Madanika’s room. When she finds out that he is willing to marry her, she is
furious. She is a slave, and will not be let go

Back home, Charudutt is equally lovelorn. Aditi has returned home, and she is
cleaning up. Luckily, before she picks up the bundle of jewels, she is diverted,
and Charudutt is reprieved. He hands the bundle over to Maitreya to keep safe.
However, his anxiety does not let him sleep. When he hears Charudutt (as he
thinks), he hands over the bundle to him. Only, it is Sajjal who is trying to steal
the gold he needs to buy his Madanika’s freedom.When Maitreya discovers that
he had inadvertently given the jewels away, the resultant conversation with
Charudutt reveals Vasantsena’s night-time visit to Aditi. Upset, she leaves home
again, handing over her last piece of jewellery to Maitreya to give to Vasantsena
in lieu of the stolen jewellery. When Sajjal shows Madanika the stolen jewels, she
recognises them as Vasantsena’s and is frightened. She forces him to give them
up. They are overheard by another maid, who lets Vasantsena know. She rewards
Sajjal for returning her jewels by freeing Madanika.

As the happy couple leave to get married, they are accosted by the nameless
revolutionary who wants Sajjal’s help to free Aryaka, who has been arrested
some time before. Sajjal is tempted by visions of making history, and much to
Madanika’s anger, he goes away.Maitreya is quite upset when he comes to
Vasantsena. He hands over Aditi’s necklace. Vasantsena understands only that
Charudutt is alone at home, she visits Charudutt that night.

Back at the brothel, Ma is trying to teach Samsthanak some new tricks – how to
win a woman in three easy steps. and to woo Vasantsena instead of chasing her
up and down the streets. She also asks him to send a covered chariot the next day,
and she will persuade Vasantsena to visit him in Pushkar Van.They spend a
passionate night together, and come morning, Vasantsena is ready to go back
home. Charudutt will have none of it. He goes off to order a covered chariot so
they can spend the whole day in Pushkar Van, without Vasantsena being
recognised by her adoring public. He leaves and Aditi returns, much to
Vasantsena’s embarrassment. However, Aditi is not so much offended as
intrigued. After all, it’s only the wealthy who can afford mistresses. Now that her
husband has a mistress, and such a well-known one, she is proud. Besides, she
says, blushing, her husband has changed after he spent a night with Vasantsena.
They understand each other, though Vasantsena is cut to the quick when Aditi
claims she is not really jealous of Vasantsena.

For a while, Vasantsena immerses herself in Aditi’s everyday life, even leaving
her jewellery in little Rohit’s clay cart. Soon, however, it is time to go. A
mischance makes her get into the chariot sent by Samsthanaka, while Aryaka,
rescued by Sajjal, and hiding in Charudutt’s house, hides in the chariot sent by

Charudutt. Both chariots make their way to Pushkar Van. Once there, Vasantsena
is horrified to see Samsthanak instead of her beloved Charudutt. Frightened, she
flees,followed by him. In a fit of anger that she loves someone else, Samsthanak
strangles her. Charudutt, who had been lost in dreams of Vasantsena, comes
there; learning that he is Charudutt, the jealous Samsthanak frames him for
Vasantsena’s murder. Before the bewildered and bereft Charudutt can protest, he
is accused of both theft and murder and sentenced to be executed.

THEME –

Issue Portrayed in the Movie- It is a window into a time period. A time period
when India was flourishing in arts and science, everything was viewed as an art,
as in the introduction is being told that theft, gambling etc were also regarded as
art, it talks about the status of courtesan at that time where they were seen with a
respectable view and they were honoured.

Magnitude of problem- The movie Utsav captures various aspects of the

society present at that time like first, it talks about the status of courtesan at that
time where they were seen with a respectable view and they were honoured. ,
whereas in today’s scenario, these activities are regarded as crime. People
involved in these practices are viewed with suspicion and they don’t hold the
same status as others. Attitude of people regarding these topics have been
negative and it has increased gradually. Today prostitution is regarded as one of
the worst profession, whereas in that time period which the movie talks about it
saw prostitution as an art of love, people involved in this had respect in society.
Talking about the issue of stealing may be at that time stealing was wrong but
people also saw it as an art which some people had, whereas in today’s world
there is no such concept of art in such activities. By comparing these scenarios it
is evident that since then the respect for people involved in prostitution is
deteriorating.

Legal Aspect - Laws are there in place for these issues but more strict laws or
effective laws should be there for implementation of the laws which work for the
respect of these people or any such law which seek to save their dignity. The
meaning art has been narrowed down to some particular field or work, the real
meaning of art is lost between the transition of society. One such law is The
Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 [ITPA, 1956]. The name itself is serving
it’s purpose. In India, the legal regime on sex work in India is laid down under
this act. ITPA does not proscribe sex work per se but penalises specific activities
related to commercial sex. It also provides for rescue & rehabilitation of persons
in sex work. The Act is implemented through Police & the Magistracy. Acts
punishable under ITPA include:

 Brothel keeping (Section 3)

 Living on earnings of sex work (Section 4)

 Procuring, inducing or detaining for prostitution (Section 5 & 6) Penalties

are higher where offences involve children (<16 yrs) & minors (< 18 yrs)

 Prostitution in areas notified by Police & near public places (Section 7)

 Soliciting (Section 8)

All offences are cognizable i.e Police do not require a warrant to arrest or search.
(Section 14) .Police personnel entrusted with the implementation of the Act
locally (Special Police Officers) as well as at the national level (Trafficking
Police Officers) are accorded special powers (Section 13) to raid, rescue & search
premises suspected of serving as brothels(Section 15). Magistrates are authorized
to order arrests & removal, direct custody of rescued persons, close down brothels
& evict sex workers (Sections 16,17, 18 & 20).The Act provides institutional
rehabilitation for „rescued‟ sex workers. (Sections 19, 21, 23 & ITPA State
Rules)

Implications
 Sex work per se is not illegal under the Act, but, its de facto criminalization
through prohibition of soliciting, brothel & street work, has effectively
undermined sex workers‟ ability to claim protection of law
 Absence of safeguards has intensified violence & exploitation by brokers,
agents & the mafia.

 Punitive provisions are inimical to public health interventions to reduce HIV.

 Fear of arrest, infringement by Police makes negotiation of safer sex difficult

 Peer educators carrying condoms are apprehended for „promoting sex work‟

 Attempts to promote condom use in brothels have been aborted.

 Disempowerment of sex workers increases harms of HIV & Trafficking

Specific Problems

I. Prohibition of Brothels: Section 2(a) defines „brothel‟ as “„any house, room,

conveyance or place or any portion of any house, room, conveyance or place
which is used for purposes of sexual exploitation or abuse for the gain of another
person or for the mutual gain of two or more prostitutes‟.” Section 3 provides
punishment for keeping, running & managing a brothel. The term “mutual gain of
two or more sex workers”, renders premises shared by sex workers illegal,
including their residence. There have been several instances where sex workers
have lost their homes & earnings under the guise of ,closing down brothels‟. As
long as brothels remain illegal, universal condo use cannot be achieved.

II. Criminalisation of Earnings of Sex Work: Section 4 punishes adult persons

being economically supported by sex workers including those living with sex
workers. Therefore, aged parents, siblings, partner(s), children over 18.yrs, who
are dependent on sex workers are treated as criminals. In reality, a significant
majority of persons, particularly women, turn to sex work to support their
families including children & parents. Ironically, these very persons are
punishable by law.

III. Penalties for Soliciting: Section 8 punishes a sex worker drawing attention of
potential customers from a visible, conspicuous site, whether in a street or private
dwelling. The criminalisation of soliciting is one of the most obvious legal
problems for sex workers, who are faced with arrests, court hearings &
convictions on a routine basis. Sex workers are arrested even when they‟re not
soliciting. Most plead guilty finding themselves in a vicious cycle of
criminalization. Though this provision does nothing to prevent or abate
trafficking, it is “most-used”, with maximum arrests & convictions being reported
under Section 8, ITPA.

IV. Statutory Powers & Procedures: ITPA confers wide powers on Police to
conduct & Magistrates to order:

Raid
Police can enter and search any premises on suspicion. Raids are often carried out
in breach of statutory procedure for public witness, female Police etc. Violence,
abuse & humiliation of sex workers is common. Raids impair sex workers‟
ability & result in increased harm.

Medical examination
Section 15 (5A) mandates medical examination of persons removed from brothels
for, inter alia detection of sexually transmitted diseases. Sex workers are
reportedly forcibly tested for HIV & their results disclosed in open Court. This is
contrary to national policy, which requires consent, confidentiality & counselling
for HIV Testing.

Rescue & Rehabilitation

Police can remove any person found in premises where sex work is carried out
regardless of age & consent. Rehabilitation is synonymous with detention in State
run homes for indefinite periods. Viable economic alternatives are either non-
existent or unavailable to sex workers on account of stigma.

Expulsion of sex workers

Sections 18 & 20 authorize Magistrates to close down brothels & expel persons
from premises where sex work is being carried out, including their residence.
Threatened with eviction, sex workers are forced to relocate with no access to
health & HIV services.

Over the last 50 years, ITPA has failed to prevent & intercept trafficking. On the
contrary, it has become a source of repression for sex workers, who face routine
harassment & repeated arrests. The Act is an abject failure & requires a complete
overhaul3.

Theory Related to the movie- After reviewing the movie the researcher could
find the theory related to the Movie. The Conflict theory can be predicted for the
given movie. Conflict theory states that tensions and conflicts arise when
resources, status, and power are unevenly distributed between groups in society,
and that these conflicts become the engine for social change. In that period the
courtesan had respect but the brother in law of the king was behind Vasantasena,
the way he catch holds the woman mistaking it to be Vasantasena shoes that he
had sense of respect towards her. Also Vasantasena was disallowed and criticised
by her maa when she came to know that she is in love with Charudatta, the
dialogue followed which followed the conversation depicted that there was role
defined at that time and no one was allowed to go beyond his/her roles. The
movie showcases the time period when India was flourishing in arts and science.
The practise which was prevelant at that does not hold the same status in today’s
scenario.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS – The idea of viewing every act in the society

with a different view seeked attention the most because it make us understand
that an act have two way of perspective. The idea of glorifying the body as
depicted in the movie is one such topic which the researcher found important
along with relating different acts to art which widens up the meaning of art,
which is limited in present scenario. The pivotal point in movie was when
Charudatta was being beheaded and suddenly Aryak and his men declare for
revolution, which sets Charudatta free. The story has a number of characters
giving us a wide view of the time period. But that also becomes the problem with
the movie. The audience are diverted with multitude of threads. And as the stories
of these various threads are from old scriptures, you know how the stories are
going to end so no big suspense in them.4

3
http://www.lawyerscollective.org/files/ITPA%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
4
Ibid
 BIBLIOGRAPHY –
WEB LINKS

 http://visionsofcinema.blogspot.in/2012/09/utsav-seductive-celebration.html
accessed on (17/09/2016)

 http://anuradhawarrier.blogspot.com/2012/03/utsav.html accessed on
(17/09/2016)

 http://parallelcinema.blogspot.in/2005_08_01_archive.html accessed on
(17/09/2016)

 http://entertainment.indianetzone.com/films/1/hindi_cinema_in_80s.htm accessed
on (17/09/2016)

 http://www.lawyerscollective.org/files/ITPA%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf accessed on
(1/10/2016)