Dubidha (Dilemma)

It is a generally accepted worldwide belief that it is wrong to tell a lie. However, in view of the major problems we encounter in the myriad crossroads of life, a small lie, even if it exposes you as weak, may save a relationship and maintain harmony. “Dubidha” (Dilemma) is the story of a day in the life of Mahesh (36) and Parvati (27), who could not conceive a baby even after 12 years of marriage and are compelled to flee their village in Baitadi in Western Nepal to resettle in a squatter for the landless in Kathmandu due to the constant taunts and bickering of the villagers. Mahesh, a vegetable vendor is reluctant to show the laboratory report on the investigation into the cause for not being able to conceive a baby to the doctor for fear of the imminent revelation that might ruin their otherwise happy married life. Parvati, who looks after the baby of a mother who is 7 years younger than herself begins to fear the worst; the possibility of Mahesh remarrying due to her inability to bear a child. Mahesh musters up all courage and finally goes to the doctor with the report that reveals inadequacy in Parvati to bear a child. Mahesh is drowned in a dilemma. What should he do? How will he break the news to Parvati?

Today, a trivial misunderstanding between a husband and wife can have major consequences and can even lead to divorce which is on the rise. To maintain harmonious relations, it is sometimes necessary to cave in, and project oneself as weak, or resort to a lie. Provided such a lie does not harm anyone. A marriage is the union of two hearts. However difficult the situation may be, it is imperative to seek options to save a relationship. This is the core premise of the film “Dubidha.” More than imaginary themes, I prefer to portray real life stories and experiences through the medium of film. Stories that are compelling to the mind; stories that reflect my core beliefs. “Dubidha” is a simple story that reflects the innermost feelings of my heart. Like the protagonist in the film, one should not complicate matters under any circumstances. When the wife is unable to conceive and give birth to a baby, it is not a crime to embrace a falsehood that the problem lies in oneself. One simple lie can save a situation that could have adverse consequences. This is the message I have tried to convey through the film. This is the story of a day in the life of a street vegetable vendor who lives in a house in the city, a mother, six years younger in age who has recently delivered a baby and the vendor’s wife who has undertaken to take care of the baby. I have also attempted to reflect the multiethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity as well as the variety of costumes that Nepal has. Another motive to make this film is to break through the outdated superstition that remarriage is an entitlement of the male if his wife is unable to bear a child; to shatter the myth that the female is the inferior sex and must endure atrocious traditional beliefs. The fundamental message of the film is to establish the belief that it is possible to adopt an orphan and ensure a bright future even if you are unable to have your own biological child.