Retrospective of Indian Documentaries

Last year, a new morality law in the Indian state of Maharashtra called for the closure of all clubs, on the grounds that they corrupt the young. This film was made shortly before the law was implemented. It is an intimate portrait of Riya, a young woman who earns a living as a dancer in the bars of Mumbai. Her role model is Rani Mukherjee, currently one of the most popular Bollywood actresses. Riya travels by train from her native city of Delhi to Mumbai, together with many other uneducated girls looking for a better future for themselves and their families. Things are not easy. Even though she is earning a living and has plenty of admirers who give her presents, her line of work does not do much for her reputation. Her family is also getting harassed by the police. Moreover, her boss forces her to work harder and harder to bring in more tips - money that she cannot even keep for herself. When Riya eventually finds a husband, she says she is happy, but the question remains as to whether she will be able to deal with being a housewife.