Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films often draw flak from certain sections of the society for some or the other reason. In the past, SLB’s film, Padmaavat, became the centre of debates where many slammed the cast for portraying the Rajput culture in the wrong light. The film-maker is now working with Alia Bhatt on Gangubai Kathiawadi and similar to Deepika Padukone’s film, the upcoming film is being slammed for portraying Kamathipura in a bad light. Maharashtra Congress MLA, Amin Patel, has even demanded a title change. 

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Patel said that the title of the film misrepresents the name of Kathiawad city and hence, should be altered. The MLA represents the Mumbadevi constituency in south Mumbai, and stated that the Kamathipura area has undergone changes, and SLB’s film is maligning their progress. Speaking in the State Assembly, he added that women are now even involved in different professions and hence he feels that SLB should consider changing the title. 

“It is not the same as it was in the 1950s. Women there are excelling in different professions. The film’s title also maligns the name of Kathiawad city. The name of the film should be changed,” said Patel. He urged the state government to intervene in the matter as quickly as possible.

 In the film, Bhatt will be seen essaying the role of Gangubai, one of the most efficacious, admired, and respected madams from Mumbai’s red-light area famously known as Kamathipura, during the 1960s. Set to release on July 30, the film is an adaptation of noted author Hussain Zaidi’s book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai‘. 

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The cast was shooting for the film in Mumbai when SLB tested positive for Covid-19. The shoot has come to a halt, with both the director and Bhatt isolating themselves. The actress tested negative for the virus but is taking precautions regardless, as both her boyfriend, Ranbir Kapoor, and her director tested positive.