Actor and director Nandita Das is known for her performances in Fire, Earth, Before the Rain and Amaar Bhuvan. She has acted in more than thirty films in 10 different languages. As a director, she is known for her directional debut Firaaq made against the background of the Gujarat riots. The dusky beauty Nandita is also a dedicated social worker. Now, she is in Odisha to lend a hand to her painter-father Jatin Das in organising the National Film Festival on Art and Artists. She spoke to Sefali Suman in an interview for The Pioneer.
First, you did BA in geography, then MA in social work; how did you come to film industryIJ
Film came to me by default. I did not go to mainstream films. After my social work study, I thought what I should really do. I happened to come across some social issues, which helped me learn and provide social message. I see films as a medium of social change.
I worked with a street-theatre group in Delhi. We staged plays about social problems. I think more than the acting, the ideals and the issues raised are important to me. During this period, I completed my bachelor’s degree in geography from the Delhi University. Next, I did my master’s in social work and started working with some social issues. Acting was never really a career option for me. It was an interest.
Share some experience at the time of directing your debut film Firaaq.
I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with wonderful actors like Nasirudeen Shah, Paresh Rawal and Deepti Naval. It was completely a process of storytelling. As I had written the story, the story was close to my heart, and I could direct it comfortably.
What’s your next projectIJ It is reported that you are making a film on Saddat Hasan Manto. Manto’s writings have a message for social harmony. Do you think Manto’s life will create social awarenessIJ
I have started the work, but it will take a long time to finish. I have been reading Manto from a long time and to make a film on him has been in my mind since long. Manto is a powerful writer. It will create social awareness.
You are a director, a writer, a producer and a social worker. How do you manage timeIJ
And I am also a mother. That is the biggest role. I never face problem to manage time. Because all are interrelated; it adds only. Actually, all women juggle. Women in villages work very hard. They do ten kinds of work, but on being asked, they say we are home makers only. Till now, they don’t have an identity because they don’t earn. We are equating everything with money. I am also earning less. Most of my works are pro bono.
How many languages do you knowIJ
I know five languages, i.e., Hindi, English, Odia, Bengali, and Gujarati. But I have acted in 10 different language films. People pretend to forget their mother tongue after they leave their State for a few years. But I speak in Odia when I meet an Odia.
Your favourite foodIJ
I like all the Odia foods including all kinds of Pithas. There is no substitution of them. My father is also good cook.
Happiest momentIJ
I have many happy moments. I have no regrets in life. When my son Vihaan will appreciate my work, that will be the happiest moment for me.
Does Vihaan feel neglected while you are workingIJ
No. It’s good for children to see their mothers working. I have also watched my mother working, and I was inspired by her.
How did you get into social workIJ
My father and mother both have a strong social consciousness. I have seen it since my childhood. Even though my father is a painter, his life has never been limited to painting only. My mother is a writer and she came from a Gandhian family. She always wanted to do something for the society. I feel fortunate to inherit their values. When I was in Rishi Valley, I really enjoyed there working with people. It is not the fact that a master degree induces a person to be a good social worker. It gives exposure to social issues. I was on my block fieldwork in Kandhamal district. I was working with an NGO. I got some exposure. Then, social work starts. After I entered into acting, my role being a social worker changed to advocacy for social issues. Everybody has a role to play.
Who is your role model in film industry and social workIJ
I have many role models. I have met many incredible men and women, who have made different choices; they are also committed and have overcome challenges. I have respect for the persons who have convictions and courage to follow those convictions.
Any work you want to do in OdishaIJ
Place is not important for me. My father has lots of passion for Odisha. That is transferred to me. I want to do. The problems are enormous; problems are everywhere.
Any message to the people of OdishaIJ
People, especially the young generation, should know how we can involve ourselves to make the world a better place. Each one of us is capable of doing something and each one can push ourselves to do more. I like Gandhiji’s quote, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” We should do to create a difference.