Top News
As a society, we must have space for dissent to grow: Nandita Das
By Arundhuti Banerjee
Mumbai, March 15 (IANS) Nandita Das is doubtful if “Firaaq”, her directorial on the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots, would have released in the current socio-political environment. The actor-filmmaker, who believes people have become “touchy”, says space for disagreement and existence of different ideologies is crucial in a democratic society.
From raising her voice on the bias against dusky skin in Indian society, acting in thought-provoking and bold films like “Fire” and “I Am” and making a film like “Firaaq” — Nandita’s work has made substantial contribution to the attempt at bringing about a change through the medium of entertainment.
Over the past few years, censor issues, bans and protests related to movies has become rampant.
Asked if people are becoming over-sensitive about films, Nandita told IANS: “Sensitive is not the word. People are being touchy. For me, sensitive is a positive word. Being sensitive means you care about somebody, you care for others’ pain.
“Being touchy and trying to control opinion, trying to dictate what to say, what to show, is not being sensitive. As a society, we should have space for dissent to grow.
“We should have a difference of opinion, ideology and argument. I might just dislike some of the films and TV shows that are shown, I might just find it completely regressive but does that mean I will break all the TV sets and stop people to watch them?
“No, I will express my opinion on social media. I would rather use these platforms usefully.”
Nandita was present at the launch of the ‘#FilmForChange campaign, an initiative by the Indian Documentary Foundation and Good Pitch India, to support documentary films and filmmakers.
She believes more documentaries can enrich the audience.
“I think documentary films bring out the truth of the matter in the narration. In today’s time, when investigative journalism is going away and people’s attention span is becoming shorter, we need more and more documentary films to get an insight of the incidents that are happening around us,” she said.
Nandita said she finds the digital platforms a great space for the audience to watch many interesting and engaging documentary films.
“It is true that the release or even making of a documentary is difficult in terms of budget and in terms of getting financiers. But as more and more people are watching documentaries on the digital platform, filmmakers gain a chance to convince producers about how people are watching such films and their money will not be wasted,” said the “1947 Earth” actress.
The audience is eagerly awaiting her new directorial “Manto”, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the role of author Saadat Hasan Manto.
Without giving out much, Nandita said: “It was a tough film to make as not much documents were easily available. In the film, I have captured only four years of Manto’s life.”
(Arundhuti Banerjee can be contacted at [email protected])
–IANS
aru/rb/bg
Top News
Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
Foodman Vishal Singh Honored for Hunger Free World Mission in Bangkok
Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
Cheers and Cheers: Barzilla’s Joyful Ode to Inclusivity and Celebration
Casino Days Reveal Internal Data on Most Popular Smartphones
Meghalaya Reserves Legalized Gambling and Sports Betting for Tourists
IPL 20202 UPDATE: KXIP vs MI IPL Dream11 Team Prediction for Today Match, Update Point Table of all Team.
In a Live debate AAP leader Syed Asad Abbas hurls abuses to BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.
‘India’s Most Wanted’ trailer out Arjun Kapoor on hunt of Osama-Bin-Laden
Time to move on: Sonakshi on Shatrughan’s joining Congress
