Ask the Sexpert

With a mixture of wit and respect, director Vaishali Sinha profiles Dr. Mahinder Watsa, "India’s foremost sexologist," as he is described by a BBC host. For nine years, the retired gynecologist has been writing a popular sex advice column in the Mumbai Mirror called "Ask the Sexpert." As a sex therapist, Watsa also meets with patients in his home office, and while some drop by completely unexpectedly, he doesn't seem to mind—although family members are concerned about the stream of strangers. As the then-91-year-old states in a radio interview, sex education is banned in parts of India, so he wants to do what he can to fill in the blanks. "As far as my field goes," he explains, "I think there's a great need." Wherever he goes, people treat him like a celebrity, which he finds amusing. When a 27-year-old fan describes him as a legend, he is quick to demur. Nonetheless, some conservative observers believe that he is promoting promiscuity, including Dr. Praitibha Naithani, who files an obscenity lawsuit—which Watsa handles with the same unflappable good humor with which he answers questions about sex. Meenal Baghel, editor-in-chief of the Mirror, dismisses the lawsuit against Watsa as frivolous, and believes that high-profile critics like Naithani are just seeking attention. Sinha also looks at Watsa's family life, which suffered at times due to his dedication to his work but didn't destroy his marriage, which lasted until his wife's death in 2006. An engaging portrait, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)