Bhakshak is inspired by real-life events at the Muzaffarpur shelter for young girls, however, it creates two fictional characters, Vaishali Singh and Bhaskar Sinha, who are not real but help tell that story dramatically. Vaishali is an investigative journalist who discovers the abuse and tries to expose the politically powerful people behind it, aided only by her cameraman, Bhaskar Sinha, who becomes her backbone in the investigation.
Vaishali Singh and Bhaskar Sinha in Bhakshak Explained
The Netflix film mirrors the terrible story of the Muzaffarpur shelter home case that came to light in 2018, however, the reporters have been created to help drive the narrative forward. They are fictional. However, Vaishali Singh was likely inspired by Nivedita Jha.
True events inspire the film but it deliberately does not mention the real names of those involved. This is because, while influenced by Muzaffarpur and the meticulous abuses of its chief Brajesh Thakur, it’s also a composite of other similar stories from the time and the area.
What are the reporters investigating in Bhakshak?
In the film, the reporters are trying to uncover allegations of sexual abuse at a shelter home for young girls. They are shocked to find the terrible conditions that the girls have to live in, and a catalogue of abuse they are determined to expose.
Most of the horrifying events that occurred in the real-life investigation came to light when an audit of the government-operated shelters was instigated by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). Findings were reported to the Bihar Social Welfare Department. The report mentioned details of allegations of sexual abuse of minor girls at the shelter home which was run by a non-governmental organization (NGO) called Seva Sankalp Evam Vikas Samiti.
Who plays Vaishali Singh?
Bhumi Pednekar plays the part of Vaishali, the reporter investigating the home, in the Netflix film.
What is Bhumi Pednekar known for?
Bhumi has been on our screens for nearly a decade, and you may have seen the talented performer in various TV and film productions. Some notable entries in her career include Lust Stories in 2018, Sonchiriya in 2019, Bhoot Part One in 2020, Badhaai Do in 2022, and Thank You For Coming in 2023.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Bhumi shared the success and importance of the film and how she relates tot he character of Vaishali:
It’s about how deep it affects you when you watch it. Today we stand victorious. We felt the impact. Let’s not stop. If our film made you feel and the next time you see injustice big or small do your bit 🙂
We all have a Vaishali Singh in us.— bhumi pednekar (@bhumipednekar) February 12, 2024
You can check out Bhumi’s entire filmography on IMDb.
Who plays Bhaskar Sinha?
Sanjay Mishra plays the part of Bhaskar Sinha, the cameraman accompanying Vaishali in the movie.
Sanjay also promoted the film on his X account, saying:
When justice needed a voice, Vaishali Singh stood up and spoke on behalf of everyone!! #Bhakshak, a film inspired by true events, watch now only on Netflix! #BhakshakOnNetflix
What is Sanjay Mishra known for?
Sanjay has had a very long and illustrious career in film and TV and has hundreds of credits behind him. Here are some of them.
He appeared in a couple of episodes of the series Chanakya in the early nineties. He had film roles in Satya (1998), Jung (2000), Chhal (2002), Plan (2004), Tango Charlie (2005), and many more. Most recently he appeared in various episodes of the TV series Yeh Meri Family in 2023.
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