Ep 15. Lakshmi and Me

"Lakshmi and Me" is the fifteenth episode of the tenth season of the thought-provoking public television series, Independent Lens. The episode follows a young Indian-American named Nishtha Jain, who is a documentary filmmaker living in Mumbai. Nishtha begins to film her much-loved domestic servant, Lakshmi, intending to make a documentary about her life, but it is not a straightforward task.

The film begins by showing Lakshmi going about her daily duties. She is a live-in maid, cooking and cleaning for Nishtha's family, but there is much more to Lakshmi than her role as housekeeper. She is a widow and a mother, and her hard work is to provide for her son's education and ensure his future. Nishtha has a long-standing relationship with her servant, whom she describes as a family member rather than an employee. Over the years, they have shared a close bond and mutual respect for each other.

As Nishtha begins filming, she becomes increasingly aware of the power dynamic between herself and Lakshmi. Nishtha is a highly-educated woman with a privileged background, while Lakshmi is illiterate and from a lower caste. Nishtha tries to capture Lakshmi's everyday life, but Lakshmi is hesitant to share everything and is sometimes resistant to being filmed. As the documentary progresses, Lakshmi begins to open up more, and Nishtha learns about Lakshmi's dreams and aspirations.

The film provides a glimpse into the realities of domestic servitude in India. Lakshmi works long hours, has little time off and is entirely dependent on her employers for her livelihood. Despite the traditional master-servant relationship between Nishtha and Lakshmi, the documentary highlights the affection and respect that exist between them. Nishtha admits that she is uncomfortable with the idea of domestic labor, but her relationship with Lakshmi complicates her feelings. She recognizes Lakshmi's worth as an individual but also sees the larger social issues at play.

Throughout the documentary, Jain explores themes of power, class, privilege, and friendship. She also considers the ethics of filming Lakshmi, ultimately deciding to put the power of the camera in Lakshmi's hands. As the documentary progresses, Lakshmi becomes more assertive, and we see her taking charge of the camera, directing scenes, and expressing her opinions. This transition shows Lakshmi's growth from a passive subject of the camera to a participant in the documentary-making process.

The film has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its nuanced exploration of complex themes. It offers a unique perspective on domestic labor, which is often hidden from view, but a critical part of Indian society. It is also a personal story of friendship and the efforts of one woman to bridge the gap between class and privilege.

Overall, "Lakshmi and Me" is a socially relevant and emotionally resonant documentary that gives an intimate look into the lives of two women from different backgrounds whose bond is stronger than the division created by caste and class rifts in India. This episode is highly recommended for those interested in exploring the complexities of power dynamics in human relationships.