Every dream deserves a chance to come true regardless of the social status of the dreamer. Some dreams, though, require an enormous amount of courage to overcome the barriers that prevent us from reaching our dreams. There is a girl named Kaikasha Mirza who lived in Mumbai. She has already broken a long-standing rule in order to do the only thing she loves the most – play cricket.
Kaikasha comes from a muslim family. On top of many other things, in her culture girls are prohibited to play games or wear jeans. They must keep a low profile until a potential husband is found for her. Afterward, they will live a fate of a woman with no basic human rights. All of the above was bound to happen in Kaikasha’s life as well if not for her strong will, determination, and her way of picturing her future; even if that was the opposite of what her father envisioned for her.
Stories like “Purdah” are very important. They serve as a reminder for all of us to show that one person is capable to make a difference not only in their own family but in their entire community. Kaikasha’s parents give her two years – either she becomes a professional cricket player during that time or she gets married. It is ironic that Kaikasha’s eldest sister Saba has once faced a similar challenge too. She dreamed of a career in modeling but was unable to pursue her dream either because of her family’s strict beliefs or her inability to find a job since she wore a niqab to her interviews. Heena – the youngest sister has an unrealized dream as well, even though she has all the potential needed to achieve it.
“Purdah” by Jeremy Guy is an inspiring and uplifting film. Yet, it sadly reminds us of all those opportunities that only known the doors of people from privileged countries. By looking at these amazingly strong sisters, you’ll keep on asking yourself: “Why won’t they accomplish what they want?” However, the answer is not as complicated as it seems when you look at the problem from within. In the end, “Purdah” teaches us to not just dream but to love our dreams, to hang on them and do everything possible not to give up on them. At the end of the day, it is not the failed attempt that hurts the most , but the feeling of regret for not trying.