‘Waack Girls’ is about ‘young women standing their ground’, says creator Sooni Taraporevala

In 2020, Sooni Taraporevala wrote and directed Yeh Ballet, a film about two working-class youngsters who learn the intricacies of pointe work. Taraporevala’s new project, Waack Girls, was inspired by one of the actors in Yeh Ballet, played by Mekhola Bose.

Waack Girls stars Bose as Ishani, a Kolkata resident who practises the energetic dance style waacking. Encouraged by talent manager Lopa (Rytasha Rathore), Ishani sets up and trains a group of waackers.

The nine-episode series explores the back stories of Lopa, Ishani and the four other women who comprise the group. Lopa, who is openly lesbian, battles with her wealthy family, especially her father (Nitesh Pandey).

While Ishani worries about her ailing grandfather (Barun Chanda), Tess (Chrisann Pereira) has a mother (Lillete Dubey) with a gambling habit. Michke (Priyam Saha) too has a troublesome mother who fusses over her. Anumita (Ruby Sah) is a gymnast who would rather dance. Ishani’s friend LP (Anasua Chowdhury) is a fashion designer with bills to play.

The cast includes Achintya Bose, who starred in Yeh Ballet, as Ishani’s neighbour Manik. The series has original music by Salvage Audio Collective as well as licensed music.

Waack Girls will be premiered on Prime Video on November 22. Taraporevala wrote the show along with Cat Sticks director Ronny Sen and her daughter Iyanah Bativala, who appeared in Taraporevala’s...

Read more