British Indian actress speaks out on the burqa controversy
France may be considering banning the burqa, but closer home, fundamentalist groups are up in arms against
British-Indian actress Goldy Notay. She played the free-spirited Muslim woman in an Arab country, who throws off
her purdah to have some innocuous fun in Sex & The City 2 (SATC 2).
About the sequence where her character Basimah throws off her purdah, she says: "Basimah comes from a well-to
-do circle where women are smart, stylish and opinionated. Yet, women in purdah do exist and also have a strong
voice. We tried to give them that in the scene, and I was a vehicle for that expression."
Notay, who also played Shabana Azmi's daughter in Gurinder Chadha's It's A Wonderful Afterlife, rises to the film's
defence. "I think SATC 2 tried to be as sensitive as possible while poking fun. Feminism is a woman's personal
choice. The film examined that, but favoured a more liberal way of life."
What was it like filming with the fab four of SATC? "I'm happy to report that all the girls eat carbs! They were very
down-to-earth.
Sarah Jessica Parker (SJ on set) is really kind. One day, I had to wear four-inch heels and
walk on a cobbled path. My heels started bleeding and I noticed SJ speaking to the director. Within minutes, people
arrived, cleaned my feet, and gave me new shoes, all because of SJ!"
The bad reviews for the film haven't managed to get Notay down. "I've seen it twice, surrounded by sisters who
responded with gusto and love."
I'm happy to report that all the Sex & City girls eat carbs: Goldy Notay
Monday, July 19, 2010 12:46 IST