Mother-daughter duo Alia Bhatt and Soni Razdan’s project “Difficult Daughters” is being showcased at Busan’s Asian Project Market. They have shared their vision for this adaptation of Manju Kapur’s acclaimed novel.
Storyline Overview
“Difficult Daughters” unfolds across two timelines, centering on Virmati, the eldest of ten children in a traditional Punjabi household in 1940s Lahore. With a strong desire to pursue education and love, she defies societal expectations, ultimately facing unexpected consequences when she becomes the second wife of a married professor.
In 2022, Virmati’s granddaughter Simar confronts her own challenges, including a failing marriage and a secret affair. Discovering Virmati’s hidden past compels her to reconnect with her estranged mother, Ila.
Vision for the Film
Razdan expressed to variety.com that the novel immediately sparked a visual inspiration. “When I read the book many years ago, it struck me as being very cinematically written. It is descriptive in a way that evokes both the inner landscape of the characters and the outer, actual canvas,” she shared. She found herself envisioning the story long before considering its adaptation into a film.
Razdan remarked, “While a nation was on the verge of attaining its independence, we have a young girl fighting for the same rights. However, at its core, this film is a personal story, or rather – stories – that unfold across two different time periods.”
Directorial Insights
Having previously acted in “Yours Truly,” which screened at Busan in 2018, Razdan returns this year to direct “Difficult Daughters.” She emphasized the importance of authenticity in recreating the past. “Recreating 1940s small-town Amritsar in Punjab is essential, but equally crucial is the casting. So, actors, costumes, and set design are the most important elements, particularly for ‘Difficult Daughters.’ And last but not least, the music… there is a huge opportunity here to creatively blend past and present.”
Personal Connection to the Project
Alia, one of India’s biggest stars and head of Eternal Sunshine Productions, considers the project both personal and aligned with her company’s ethos, as reported by variety.com. “At Eternal Sunshine, we are always on the lookout for stories that strike a deep chord and stay with the audience long after the film ends. ‘Difficult Daughters’ is undoubtedly one of those,” Alia stated.
“It’s extra special to have my mom direct it, but what truly makes it stand out for me is the shared belief we all have in this story. Busan is a beautiful first step in its journey, and we hope the film continues to spark conversations and connections wherever it goes—because stories like this don’t just belong to one place; they belong to everyone,” she added.