Would you call yourself established?
Not at all. I’m just a beginner.
But you’ve been around for long....
Yes, as an actress and co-writer, though never got any credit for it. But one has to think of the tried-and-tested formula, not something that’s original to please the bigwigs.
Weren’t you tempted to compromise?
No, never. I didn’t feel the need.
What was so interesting about Mahasweta Devi’s story?
My friend gave me the book to read in 2001, and I wanted to script it for a film.
Is it tough to put the whole act together?
It is. Since the script I presented to the nfdc got approved within no time, I thought half the job was done. Still, the film was delayed by a shortage of funds.
Finally, when you did get the funds, was it easy to manage such an ensemble of crew?
The entire crew has been friends with me. And mind you, they’re the best in their field, be it the cameraman, sound engineer, editor.
Has it been a difficult lesson for you?
As a producer, yes—but I can manage.
Will you continue to lean towards cinema that explores the woman’s psyche?
As a woman, absolutely. There are issues that concern me and I can assure you it would always be a woman’s point of view even if it means a contemporary subject.
Was Nandita Das your first choice for Mati Maay?
I shortlisted three actors. Fortunately I called Nandita first and she immediately agreed.
