New Delhi witnessed a powerful discourse on women’s empowerment as actress-director Nandita Das shared her profound insights at the ‘Empowered Women, Developed India’ event organized by Chintan Research Foundation. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Das delved into the transformative power of cinema, the perils of censorship, political labeling, and the fight for women’s rights.
When asked why she gravitates towards films that unsettle audiences and provoke thought, Das responded with conviction. ‘Cinema for me transcends mere entertainment,’ she asserted. ‘It’s about stories that shake viewers to their core, challenge deep-seated biases, and awaken empathy within. I personally cherish films that compel reflection, and that’s precisely the kind I aspire to create.’
Addressing the backlash she faces when her work is branded ‘political,’ Das remained unflinching. ‘Artists who question the status quo invariably invite reactions—support from some, opposition from others,’ she explained. ‘Over-reliance on external opinions weakens one’s inner resolve. Labeling is society’s shortcut to avoid true understanding. But a deep-seated conviction propels you forward, rendering criticism powerless to halt your journey.’
The discussion turned to the controversy surrounding ‘Kerala Story 2’ and censorship. Das condemned any form of it as suffocating for art. ‘Creative expression demands unbridled freedom,’ she emphasized. ‘Only when art breathes freely do we witness both brilliance and mediocrity, allowing society to discern value over time. I’m firmly against all censorship.’
On global atrocities like the Taliban’s endorsement of domestic violence against women, Das’s voice grew fiercer. ‘Oppressing any community, especially women, in the name of religion, politics, or ideology is utterly unacceptable,’ she declared. ‘Building a humane society requires collective action. Through my films, words, and every avenue of expression, I’ll continue raising my voice against such injustices. For a truly human world, we must stand against oppression.’
Das’s words serve as a clarion call for artists and citizens alike to embrace discomfort in pursuit of progress, underscoring cinema’s role in societal evolution.