Films Should Spark Dialogue, Not Just Entertain, Says Nandita Das
Noted actor and director Nandita Das emphasised the role of cinema in fostering meaningful conversations during the 17th Dr. Lalita Iyer Memorial Lecture at the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) on Friday. Drawing from her extensive background in social work and cinema, Das argued that films hold greater value when they provoke thought and dialogue beyond mere entertainment.
Reflecting on her career, Das noted that independent cinema often presents stronger narratives compared to mainstream productions, which she described as having an ‘unreal’ atmosphere. She admitted that she never truly enjoyed working on large commercial sets. Without naming specific projects, she highlighted how many small-budget films—made on roughly Rs 20 lakh—relied on local hospitality, with teams staying in homes rather than luxury hotels. “Usually, actors are drawn towards characters. I was always drawn to the story and what it was trying to say,” she said.
Sharing anecdotes from her own films, Das explained that she gradually realised cinema’s true power lies not just in the movie itself but in the discussions it generates. “Films were not the only thing I was interested in. It was the conversations sparked after the film that also interested me,” she stated.
The event, organised by AMA, brought together students, filmmakers, and members of the public interested in the intersection of cinema and social issues. Das’s lecture underscored the potential of film as a medium for social change, a theme she has championed throughout her career in films such as Fire, Earth, and Bawandi.
Das, who also directed the critically acclaimed Manto, continues to advocate for cinema that challenges audiences while remaining accessible. Her remarks at the lecture reaffirmed her commitment to storytelling that prioritises substance over spectacle.
