Jasleen’s culture and religious conscious parents want her to marry within the Sikh community, and are shocked when she suddenly disappears. After Jasleen and Fahwaz elope, they think they have found happiness—but Jasleen’s family tracks the couple down and commit horrific acts in defense of their family honor.
Vibha Gulati is a Filmmaker with extensive experience as a Writer, Assistant Director, and a Script Supervisor in the Indian motion picture industry.
Vibha embarked on her journey in Filmmaking by assisting renowned Indian Film Director Raj Kumar Hirani on the highly successful feature film ‘Laage Raho Munna Bhai.’ Shortly after, she enrolled at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) and graduated with a MFA degree with a concentration in direction. In addition, she completed a Screenwriting Degree at NYU and studied Script Supervising under noted Script Supervisor Randi Feldman.
After completing her education, Vibha worked on a number of acclaimed feature length films such as Chittagong, Soundtrack, I Me Aur Main, Nautanki Saala, Umrika, Tigers, and several others.
Vibha is now working towards a full time career as a writer and director.
Forbidden is inspired by the true story of my friend who was brutally murdered for being in love with someone her family did not approve of. This work is my tribute to this amazing woman who had the courage and the conviction to follow her heart and stand up to her family.
Earlier, I was under the misconception that only women who belonged to lower socio- economic backgrounds in developing countries were the victims of honor violence. However, after some extensive research, I learned I was wrong. Women from first world countries also face this societal evil, which is growing at an alarming rate. Moreover, sadly, one can belong to any religion, nationality, socio-economic status, and/or education level and still be a victim of this atrocity at the hands of their own family members.
The mission of this film is to end violence against women living outside of their native countries. In addition, it is to ignite a social change that will compel the legal system to take action against criminals who commit heinous crimes against women in the name of family honor.