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Actor Nandita Das who's turned director with Firaaq, is ecstatic at her film being voted an audience favourite at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. She tells Soma Das why a non-violent film about the aftermath of violence, has universal appeal
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Nandita Das directs Nasseruddin Shah on the sets of Firaaq | Nandita Das has been living out of a suitcase, doing the rounds of film festivals with her directorial debut, Firaaq. Translated as "separation" or "quest" in Urdu, the film tackles the 2002 Hindu-Muslim riots, with a family at the vortex of the bloodbath. The movie releases on January 23, 2009, and no, she's not acting in it.
We hear Firaaq was a favourite at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival.
I was overwhelmed with the response. A woman from Cyprus said the film reminded her of the tension her country faced with Turkey. I can't wait for it to be released in India.
How has screening it at international film festivals helped?
Festivals are a means to an end, not an end in themselves. Sharing a film with different audiences helps with varied feedback. Firaaq has universal reach since it addresses global concerns of violence. The buzz it receives abroad, helps its release in India, especially if the film isn't a mainstream one.
What inspired Firaaq?
It had to do with waking up to newspapers with stories of violence, meeting victims, feeling helpless. The film isn't violent. It's about relationships that unfold a month after the riots, when the obvious violence has died down and anger, fear and prejudice take over.
How did you prepare for the role in Maati Maay, where you play someone who digs graves for children, since its steeped in regional ethos?
Half the films I've done, have been in regional languages that have been taken to different parts of the country. Each place and story is unique, but human emotions are universal. They don't need preparation. The language (Varhadi dialect) was a struggle, but Chitra and co-actor Atul Kulkarni helped me.
Does doing the roles you do, take a toll on you?
Work and life are all one. Everything I do professionally, affect the person I am. My work has made me aware, and sensitive. Sometimes, reality is disturbing, but I'd rather be troubled than numb.
You have been cast in Deepa Mehta's Midnight's Children.
Yes, it's being scripted by her and Salman Rushdie jointly, but shooting doesn't start before 2010. After Firaaq's release, I want to take a break.
What's it like to have Paresh Rawal, Deepti Naval and Nasseruddin Shah on one set?
Half the job is done if you get the casting right. In spite of being veterans, they were all open to experimenting.
soma.das@mid-day.com | 
