Ma'am, those boys were from PICA.
They were putting up Mayank Asthana's posters.
They're thugs, Ma'am.
But this does not count as proof.
But, Ma'am, he had a gun, I saw it!
And we were right there!
Paro fell down! What if something had happened to her?
What more proof do you need?
Yeah, this is ridiculous!
After all this,
you still want to let Mayank Asthana and those PICA thugs campaign here?
And how can you not trust your own students?
Look, I have informed the police.
Please understand, I can't do any more than that.
Trisha, help!
-Trisha! -Trisha!
-Trisha, pass! -Tackle, tackle, tackle!
-Pass! -Trisha, pass!
-Rupa! -Rupa!
-Med kit! Med kit!
I'm so sorry… I'm really sorry.
The damn stick broke.
Ma'am, the hockey team has neither decent hockey sticks nor safety gear.
If we keep injuring ourselves like this, balls we'll win a match.
Dude, some serious shit went down at college.
Two PICA boys showed up and brandished a gun in front of Paro and my friend.
Right outside college.
Brandished it?
Yeah, man. What if Papa finds out? He'll call me back home.
Damn, Sukesh…
Hey…
Why are you so stressed? Bigger shit goes down in Delhi all the time.
I doubt they'd show this on the news.
Don't worry.
Are you sure those guys were from PICA?
Yes…
You're a member of PICA too, right?
Sukku, look. Tell me the truth.
You aren't involved in anything shady, right?
Why are you worried about me?
You're my friend. Of course, I worry about you.
You're the same. You haven't let the air in Delhi get to your head.
Hope it stays that way. The air in Delhi is pretty polluted.
Alright, everyone.
It's casting time.
I have found our new play.
It's gonna be my take on Second Skin.
I know, I know. It's been done before, we've all seen it before…
But we will go deeper. Yeah?
Seniors, get ready for the auditions.
I'll need a very strong female lead this year.
Only seniors can audition?
Clarify with Bhasin once.
We'll do a reading now.
Bhasin…
I want to audition for the lead too.
Vandana, you're talented.
But, Second Skin is a bold play, and…
I need an experienced actor.
If you don't like the audition, reject me.
But give me a chance at least.
Guys, Vandana wants to audition for the lead.
This play is about desire, sexuality, and the gaze.
That the lead needs to be a good actor, is a given.
But on stage…
they also need to step outside the boundaries of so-called propriety
to be able to portray this character.
That is the most important thing.
So for this audition…
pick anyone from this room…
and you have to kiss them.
But, of course, it has to be convincing.
Okay?
We don't have all day.
Inhibition.
This is why I need an experienced actor.
Can I kiss you?
Yeah.
Okay.
That was good. I mean, the exercise.
How can you do this?!
Are you serious?!
Do you have any official orders?
The footpath is public property, madam.
-But-- -Pitching a tent here is illegal.
We don't need an order.
When PICA had a rally here last month, did you take any of their tents?
-Please, let us do our jobs. -I can see what a fine job you're doing.
-This is ridiculous, they-- -Let it go, Preet.
What do you mean, let it go?
Okay, now listen, PD. You stay here. Okay?
I'm going to go and talk to the women's cell.
We can’t leave these girls alone here like this.
-Yeah, I know. -Okay? So be here.
What do you think you're doing, throwing your weight around like this?
You've done enough, Paro.
This has to stop, right?
Listen, there's too much at stake.
Your safety…
your health…
your scholarship.
If you lose your scholarship, how will you complete your studies?
Sir, you're right.
Too much is at stake.
Till I stop Mayank Asthana from coming here…
I won't get up from here.
But you've made your point, Paro.
And a bloody strong one.
It's enough.
-We can't keep-- -Sir…
remember that poem you recited to us?
“Sometimes you have to risk it all for the sake of self-expression.”
That's all I'm doing, sir.
Paro.
Eat a little.
I'll keep a lookout. No one will know.
I will know.
Bro…
You're so stubborn.
Forget that.
Do you remember our first day at Matilda House?
Yes, of course.
Your mom came to drop you.
She was so nervous for you.
Didn't she hold your hand and ask you to take care of me?
Can you blame her?
I mean, on my way to school I used to cross a river
with buffaloes and crocodiles in it.
She wasn't nervous then.
My mom is so weird.
Forget your mom, do you know what you looked like?
You were so shy.
You're my best friend. You know that, right?
And I'll always stand by you.
You think I should stop the strike as well, don't you?
No.
But now I'm scared, dude.
There has to be another way to uphold the truth.
Call them sinners, shameless, defiant
But never ones to stay compliant
That’s just how these Headstrong girls roll
The oppressive shroud That covers their dreams eventually frays
Their will now shines, come what may
They leave their mark, no longer reliant
That’s just how these Headstrong girls roll
Until…
History doesn't hold them back…
Neither do they fear The admonitions of family
Can anything hold light back?
Closing a window will not deter it
A tiny crack is all it needs
To rush forward Flooding the whole world with its presence
-That's just how these… -Headstrong girls roll!
Thank you Aatish Raina sir for sharing that inspiring poem with us,
and capturing the true spirit of Matilda House.
I would now like to invite our next guest, Meena Vemula
to the podium, to read to us a poem that's been selected
from Matilda House students' entries.
This is the best selection.
-Guys, I just kissed Bhasin. -Meena Vemula.
The poem I'm going to read now is one of Matilda House's student entries.
Surprisingly, it is an anonymous submission,
so whichever one of you wrote it, you did an incredible job.
Here's "Time's Up"
It's morning time, my alarm goes off
Notifications on my phone Friends fighting for a cause
I like their post, I heart their fight
Then, snoozing my alarm I turn off the light
That's Wally's poem.
Just five more minutes of peace
I don't have the energy for passion
Am I a coward?
Maybe…
But those who fight get called names too
The title of "vulgar girl" or "crazy man"
Between coward and vulgar Which one is better?
My heart struggles with These passion-related matters
Like, I want to scream
Hey, fear! Get out of here!
Let me do what I want
This is my safe space, get out of my face
Go on, get out! Your time's up
And my alarm goes off, I hit it again
Just five minutes more This passion is a pain
Whoever has written this, they should keep writing.
It's a really good job. Thank you.
Silence, please.
I would like to thank Meena and Aatish for their precious time.
I want to inform everyone that
Paro has voluntarily ended the hunger strike.
And she has now been taken to the hospital for a health check-up.
Please have faith in me, Paro is completely fine.
And now I would like to invite one by one,
the candidates for the University Student Body elections
to deliver their campaign speeches on the stage.
Starting with Mayank Asthana from PICA.
-Thank you, Ma'am. Paro… -Mayank Asthana…
is like my younger sister.
And I'm happy to know…
that she is safe now.
Protecting girls…
-is the responsibility of our society… -Yeah, yeah, yeah.
But most people don't understand this.
And they harm them.
They don't understand that girls
are mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and most of all…
goddesses.
And, the girls of Matilda House are different from the rest.
Because you are sensible too?
Mayank Asthana, go back!
PICA, go back!
Mayank Asthana, go back!
PICA, go back!
I want you all to be sensible about this,
-Mayank Asthana, go back! -and vote for me.
PICA, go back!
Mayank Asthana, go back! PICA, go back!
Mayank Asthana, go back!
-Get out, your time’s up. PICA, go back! -I'm a perfect candidate for you.
Get out of here!
If you give me your votes, you…
Vote for Mayank Asthana!
Paro. Paro, Paro, Paro!
-Oh, my God! -Oh, my God!
Mayank Asthana, go back!
Get lost, jerk, your time's up!
Great presentation…
Someone's really enjoying herself.
Why have you called me here, Manish?
Because I'm a good friend of yours.
Matilda House needs funds, Lata.
This party is crawling with big cheques,
the question is why aren't you cashing them?
And what will I tell them?
"There is always a protest or strike on some issue or the other at my college."
"Please give me funds."
No, thanks.
Come. I want you to meet somebody.
Lata, meet Anita Raghani.
I've heard so much about you, Lata Bakshi.
You know, I want to apologize to you, Lata.
On behalf of our failing education system.
Such a big college having to manage on such few resources, I mean…
it must be an administrative nightmare.
A good education needs money.
We have to admit it.
And someone has to pay.
That's why I'm establishing the Raghani Private University.
But if education is not subsidized,
so many kids will never be able to achieve their dreams.
Don't defend a broken system, Lata.
This is why we don't have a single spot in the world's top 100 universities.
Yeah, absolutely.
And our students, they deserve the best.
Don't you believe that?
You'll have to excuse me, lots of people. I'll catch you later.
Yes, of course.
What's your problem?
I don't like greedy people who turn education into a business, Manish.
Don't you want…
Matilda House to get all the facilities it needs?
Of course, I want that.
I'm already using personal funds for students
whose scholarship wasn't approved by the board.
Now imagine if you never have to even think about that again.
If Anita Raghani gets into the education business,
then Matilda House will be the first one to have access to unlimited private funds.
Why would she allocate funds to any college,
when she's opening a university of her own--
She's a builder's wife,
with an obscene amount of money.
All she really wants is prestige and respect.
So, why question it?
Just work with me here.
And keep Matilda House out of the news, that's it.
No 19-year-old is so busy that they can't reply to a text.
It's been crazy, Trish.
The Ranji scouts are coming to watch my game tomorrow…
so it's basically now or never.
I can't afford any distractions right now.
So I'm a distraction?
All that'll do is affect your performance.
Don't you take hockey or your team seriously?
Parth, the last time I played "seriously,"
my shitty stick broke and somebody's nose started bleeding.
Besides, can you just stop being my dad for a moment and be…
Be what?
Go on, Trish. Be what?
A friend? A fuck buddy?
What am I?
You know I have a boyfriend…
-who's coming in two weeks. -Exactly.
So don’t give me a bad trip for not texting you back.
Because even you're using me like toilet paper
for as long as you're stuck in this shit-hole.
And do you even care about anything other than yourself?
-It's not that simple. -Actually, it is that simple, Trish.
If you care, then do something about it.
Show that you care.
Why? What's so funny about that?
Graphite sticks. No more broken noses because of bad equipment!
Wow.
I'm just using my privilege, captain. No need to get emotional.
You've started to care about us, babe. Accept it.
Little bit.
Oh my God, Wally, these pictures are amazing!
I feel like hitting on myself. Come here.
Love you.
I really hope VT likes them.
You know, every year they repost the best entries from Matilda House on their page.
-Hello, pajama pals. -Hello!
What are you busy poring over?
She could get the lead role in Bhasin's play.
She's reading the script.
And it's just about the play? Are you sure?
Did she just show me the…
I have something for you.
Read between the lines.
Say whatever you like.
You have to give it to this girl.
Go, Paro!
Thank you.
Thanks for being there.
Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God!
VT just reposted my picture!
Congratulations, Tabby!
Tabby! Tabby! Tabby!
I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING… I FEEL ALIVE
Mom.
Here you go.
We spent the whole day together, and you give it to me now.
Is it good?
These days you're the only topic of discussion
at the courtyard shelter.
You're a hero to them.
Heroes win, Mom.
I lost.
You went through so much to get me to college.
But I'm an idiot.
I risked it all.
You can't stop yourself from fighting what's unfair, can you?
Don't ever apologize to anyone for that.
But also, don't forget that…
your actions…
have consequences.
If we lose the scholarship…
I don't have the means to help you finish your education.
You still have much to accomplish.
Imagine what someone like you sitting in a government-issued car could do…
for people like us.
Let's at least talk about it?
Talk about what?
This is our fest.
The biggest university event, bro!
And for your information, it's the longest standing tradition
that final years direct their own Masterpiece performance
-without this bullshit. -But Shubhra, the budget is epic!
-So we should sell out? -What exactly happened inside?
Bakshi's asking for proposals for all performances.
Especially for third year's performances.
Which she'll approve to ensure quality.
But guys, look at the money!
We just have to give her a list of proposals in exchange!
I mean, imagine. We'll be able to afford good lights,
sets, so many facilities.
Well, our former colonial overlords also provided a lot of facilities, Pankaja.
Then why did Indian freedom fighters shout, "Simon, go back?"
Pankaja, we've been planning this performance for the last three years.
Every year, third years plan Masterpiece in their own way without being censored.
If Bakshi interferes constantly,
then we won't have the same freedom, bro.
This was our time to show everyone who we really are.
Our final performance.
Are you seriously okay with this?
-Fine. Wow. -You're being selfish.
-Wow. -You're being selfish.
-Fuck off. -Remember that.
-Fuck off. -Yeah, you…
Damn…
Forget about this. Tell me something.
I hope she hasn't banned the entry of boys to the festival.
Just once in a year, in this land full of estrogen…
…the flowers of testosterone bloom.
Sigh!
-Let's go. -Come on.
The professors are very happy with your progress.
You were always good at Chemistry…
and you've worked hard to improve your English.
-Well done. -Thank you, Ma'am.
Your future.
I've recommended you for a full scholarship.
Which means your tuition, books, boarding will all be free.
Your family will not have to bear the burden of your education.
Thank you, Ma'am. I will work even harder.
Whenever I see you…
I'm reminded of myself.
Anyway.
How are things?
Did you join the Masterpiece organizing committee?
-No, Ma'am, I-- -Why not?
Extra-curricular activities are important too.
Ma'am, how can I join?
I need to focus on my studies.
Please, do this for me.
Yes, Ma'am.
People, Ahmed Raza will be directing our play.
-You've got the proposals, right? -Yes.
All the societies have sent in their proposals.
-Yeah. -Let's start with dance--
Guys, we're quitting the OC.
If we can't do the final performance our way,
there's no point in doing anything. We're off.
All the best!
Good riddance. Now we can do some actual work.
-Yeah, so, dance society, right? -Yeah.
Breathe in.
Wait a minute!
Tabby, I'm stuck.
A little higher.
Yeah.
I have to look amazeballs tonight, no matter what.
You have all this treasure, and me.
I'll make you look amaze, but I can't guarantee the balls part.
Can you explain to me what is so important about this party?
Trish, it is ten years of ExperiManch.
The entire theatre community will be there.
Maybe even Noor Kazmi.
Noor Kazmi or Bhasin?
-Wally… -Both.
Bhasin…
Vandu?
No pot of gold for me here, can we just check something online?
-Nothing here? -Trish?
This dress is perfect.
-It's designer, right? -Yeah.
Are you sure I can borrow it?
Of course, what else are friends for?
I love you!
Love you.
By the way, Sharminda Cats is performing at Bhasin's party.
And?
And their lead singer, JJ.
That JJ!
Guys, I can't decide, Tabby.
-I told you to wear this one. -Nothing feels just right…
Sexy!
Where were you hiding that cleavage?
-Isn't it too much? -O, my God!
You look bomb!
Go Devi! Go Devi! Go Devi!
You should wear this.
Wally.
Should I really wear that dress?
-The neckline is too low… -Don't move, Devi. Stay still.
Perfect. Beautiful.
Will you pair a necklace with that dress?
Yes! I bought it at Janpath. Wanna see?
It was right here…
-This one? -It was right here…
Yes, that's the one! Nice, right?
It's Trisha's.
She only asked us to borrow her clothes.
But she has so many of these.
She won't even know it's missing for the next ten years--
That is not the point. Yesterday it was the TOEFL book, today it's the necklace.
We're friends but don't think that I'll stand by you when you’re in the wrong.
I'm sorry, Wally.
Okay, just promise me. After today, no more stealing, no more lies.
Promise.
Now tell me, which lipstick?
For me. You wanna apply?
Thank you.
I’m not looking like a ghost, right?
It looks good.
It was really nice to meet you, Ma'am.
It was very nice meeting you.
See you.
Hi.
-Vandana. She's an actor. -Hi.
Noori!
-Ma'am, I'm a big fan of yours. -HI!
That's Vandana. She’s also an actor with ExperiManch.
Oh, nice!
You're in great hands.
-Thank you. -Bhasin will push you.
His methods are unconventional but trust me, they work.
To old friends and new!
There she is. Over there.
Hi.
-Hi! -Where the hell have you been?
I've been scared shitless being all alone here. Look!
By the way, this is fancier than what you said.
I know, right? It's crazy.
Open bar, expensive alcohol, none of that Rich Babe vodka…
That calls for a selfie!
Come on, guys, just relax.
Check, mic check.
You know we are called Sharminda Cats for a reason, right?
Right.
I saw you take photos of us. Can I see? Please?
Oh, wow.
-You've made me look good. -It's not that hard.
Lovely.
Refill, please.
You deleted my comment for Despo? Really?
Yes J, because Despo gives me her notes and writes my assignments.
You know she's using you, right?
Will you just let it go?
Tabby, listen…
Crap!
My dreams, they were hibernating
Now they're stirring awake Slowly animating
They seem a little familiar
Also slightly crazy, I fear
They come from a different age
They tell me, to deliver this message
Be free
Where's Bhasin?
I think he went for a smoke.
-I'll just be back. -Sure.
Shine on
Shine on with your love
Be free
Be free from your bondage
Shine on
Shine on with your love
-Vandana. -Yes?
Will you be the lead in my play?
What?
You heard me.
Yeah!
Are you sure?
Guys, found it.
Check this out.
This is bomb.
Guys, if we can pull this off,
she will be truly mindfucked.
This is going to be fun.
Masterpiece… here we go.