Meryl Streep throws support behind Oscar nod for documentary about Indian gang rape
Actress insists she ‘couldn’t speak’ after seeing India’s Daughter, which examines the reaction to horrific assault on Delhi bus and includes interviews with one of the rapists.
A film banned by Indian authorities about the deadly rape of a young woman on a bus in New Delhi has opened in the United States to acclaim, with Hollywood star Meryl Streep saying it deserves to win an Academy Award.
Depicting the rape and murder of a medical student in 2012 that sparked violent protests, the documentary India’s Daughter has been mired in controversy since the Indian government implemented its ban. But Oscar-winning actress Streep, who introduced the documentary at its US theatrical release in New York City on Wednesday night, said it was worthy of the movie industry’s highest honour.
“I’m on the campaign now to get her nominated for best documentary,” said Streep, speaking of the film’s director, Leslee Udwin.
The hour-long film chronicles the gang rape of Jyoti Singh, 23, on a moving bus in India’s capital and the subsequent protests started by Indian students. Singh, who was returning home from the cinema with a male friend, died after her assailants pushed a metal rod inside her and pulled out her intestines.
A girl is far more responsible for rape than a boy
“When I first saw [the film] I couldn’t speak afterwards,” Streep said.
