Filmmaker Tapan Ghosh
Filmmaker and author Tapan Ghosh has carved a distinctive space for himself through instinct-driven storytelling that prioritises emotional honesty over formula. Known for his unconventional filmmaking approach and a body of work that explores human contradictions, identity, and personal growth, Ghosh continues to push conversations around authenticity in cinema. With recent discussions around films like SoBo Ki Nakchadi and the growing interest in his creative philosophy, he shares insights into his scriptless process, mentorship-driven approach, and the evolving role of storytelling in a rapidly changing world. In this conversation, Ghosh reflects on the ideas that shape his films and the deeper intention behind his creative journey
1. Your films are often described as emotionally honest and instinct-driven. What draws you to this style of storytelling, and why does it matter to you?
I am drawn to emotionally honest storytelling because real life itself is not rehearsed. We don't live by scripts-we react, feel, hesitate, contradict ourselves, and grow in moments we don't plan. That instinctive space is where truth resides. For me, cinema matters only when it mirrors that truth. I'm not interested in creating perfection; I'm interested in capturing recognition-that quiet moment when the audience says, "This feels like me, or someone I know."
2. You follow a scriptless approach to filmmaking. How does this process change the way actors perform and audiences experience a story?
The scriptless approach removes fear-fear of lines, fear of mistakes, fear of being judged. Actors stop performing and start being. They respond instead of reciting. This freedom allows emotions to surface naturally, often in ways no writer could predict. For audiences, the experience becomes immersive. They are not watching characters act; they are witnessing people unfold. The story doesn't push itself-it reveals itself.
3. SoBo Ki Nakchadi has been widely discussed for its natural performances and relatable themes. What was most important for you to capture while making this film?
What mattered most was capturing the irony of privilege-how confidence, entitlement, vulnerability, and insecurity coexist in the same individual. SoBo Ki Nakchadi is not about mocking a social class; it's about understanding human contradiction. I wanted the audience to laugh, reflect, and perhaps recognize their own judgments in the process.
4. Many viewers say your films feel "real" rather than performed. How do you create an environment where authenticity comes naturally on set?
I treat the camera as a silent observer, not an authority. Actors are encouraged to forget that they are being filmed. There is no pressure to "get it right," only an invitation to be honest. I give them emotional direction, not dialogue. Once trust is established, authenticity flows naturally-because truth doesn't need instruction, only permission.
5. As a filmmaker and author, how do writing and cinema influence each other in your creative journey?
Writing helps me clarify thought; cinema helps me test it against life. Books allow introspection, while films allow interaction. When I write, I explore ideas deeply. When I film, I allow those ideas to collide with human unpredictability. Together, they keep me grounded-writing gives structure, cinema gives humility.
6. Your book Many Hats, Many Insights reflects on awareness, perspective, and personal growth. How do these ideas find their way into your films?
My latest book, Many Hats, Many Insights, brings together the two sides of me-Haresh Sippy, the "somebody," and my alter ego, the "nobody." This merging has helped make my films both emotionally pure and logically grounded. Every film I make is essentially about awareness-of self, of others, and of circumstance. The characters in my films are rarely heroes or villains; they are simply people discovering something about themselves. Growth in my cinema is subtle and often internal. Just like life, change doesn't announce itself-it quietly settles in.
7. You actively mentor young talent through your "Earn While You Learn" philosophy. Why is this approach important in today's creative ecosystem?
âEarn While You Learn' began as a CSR initiative, where we provided vocational training in manufacturing to Adivasi youth-the true wealth of the nation. Over time, we recognised and nurtured their other talents, including art and eventually cinema. The creative world today has too many gatekeepers and too few guides. "Earn While You Learn" restores dignity to learning by allowing young talent to grow without exploitation or unrealistic expectations. Creativity flourishes when people feel secure, respected, and involved-not when they are waiting endlessly for permission.
8. How do you view the role of cinema in reflecting society without becoming preachy or prescriptive?
Cinema should ask questions, not deliver sermons. The moment a filmmaker starts prescribing answers, curiosity dies. I believe in presenting situations honestly and letting the audience decide what they feel. When reflection replaces instruction, impact becomes lasting.
9. With several films currently in post-production, what themes or emotions are you most interested in exploring next?
I'm deeply interested in themes of reinvention, displacement, and quiet resilience-especially in a world shaped by automation, loneliness, and rapid change. I'm exploring how ordinary people adapt when certainty disappears, and how dignity survives even when success is delayed.
10. What would you like audiences to take away after watching a Tapan Ghosh film?
I would like them to feel lighter, more aware, and less judgmental-towards themselves and others. If a viewer walks away thinking, "It's okay to be imperfect, to evolve, to begin again," then the film has done its job.
