Indrani Haldar on Kuler Achaar: Changing surname after marriage is a reality for Indian women and hence, it will be a relatable film

Madhumita Sarcar and Vikram Chatterjee’s Kuler Achaar deals with the debate over changing one’s surname after marriage. Directed by Sudeep Das, the film also features Indrani Haldar and Sujan Mukhopadhyay in the lead. The family drama shows how a mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law develop a friendship over refusing to change their surname. 

While a lot of women keep their maiden name post-marriage, Indrani pointed out that the majority of Indian women don’t enjoy the choice. She said that we might know a lot of women keeping their old surname, but across the country, not many women enjoy the privilege. “This is true even for the financially economic women. Kuler Achaar is a very relatable story for all these people,” said the actor. 

Indrani also said that she uses both her surnames. “Officially, I am Indrani Haldar Roy. In fact, that’s what my passport says. But as an actress, I became popular as Indrani Haldar long before I got married. Hence, I am more known as Haldar than Haldar Roy,” she explained.

Earlier Madhumita also pointed out that she found it unnecessary to change the surname. Madhumita was married once and according to the actress, she changed her surname during that time. “I changed my surname when I got married but later realised it is not necessary. Many films and characters teach us many interesting facts in life. This is what I learnt from Kuler Achaar,” she told us. 

Meanwhile, Vikram said that he supports equality. In an interview with OTTplayer, Vikram told us, “Ages ago, I told my then girlfriend that I would be happy to wear something of her choice to establish that I was married to her. I came after she pointed out that only women wear sindoor, loha, etc. I believe in equality. Why should only women change their surname? he asked.