Sex, Death and the Gods
Interview with Beeban Kidron | YouTube
The devadasi are Hindus who are married to god in childhood, and at puberty sold for sex. Acclaimed director Beeban Kidron, took us on an intimate journey into the twilight world of the devadasi to meet the girls of Karnataka, southern India who are forced to live in this ancient tradition despite it having been declared illegal for more than 60 years.
The documentary investigated the surprising history of this little-understood community, revealed their rich and privileged past as concubines to the princes and priests of India's ruling class and explored their heritage as dancers and entertainers.
This Guardian interview with Beeban, with clips from the film, gives insights beyond the documentary seen on our screens. Watch now on YouTube.