She dons several hats and each one with aplomb. Be it writing screenplay or novel or participating in a panel discussion or writing columns, Advaita Kala, makes her points emphatically without ever crossing the line. A well rounded personality, she has now curated a three-day Festival Of Words for the ongoing Delhi International Arts Festival (DIAF). The event which started yesterday is being held at India Habitat Centre. Referring to the effort as a labour of love, Advaita says, “With so much polarisation in the society, it is imperative for different voices to sit together and voice their concerns and views in a pleasant setting rather than trade insults.”
Excerpts:
On the festival highlights
Insult speak has become the lingua franca. On Words Count we have samvad, revive dialogue, discourse and dissent with respect. This is not something new but our age old tradition and culture.
The sessions are as diverse as possible given the constraints of time and budget. They reflect gender, artistic, political and ideological diversity. We have sessions of first time women writers and women in social media. Dr. Manmohan Vaidya will be talking about education and not RSS or Hindutava as would be expected. Author Amish Tripathi converses with Vaidya instead of talking on mythology. So we have tried to focus on other facets of personalities rather than the ones already known. Pavan Verma and V. Saharubuddhe, in the session ‘The Politician as Writer’, will talk about being a person of letters in the world of hyperbole. As we are losing our sense of humour, which is worrisome, we have an engaging discussion “Are You Serious” about satire in the time of political correctness.
On growing intolerance in society
Thankfully, the intolerance has not permeated as is evident by the fact that we can hold Words Count. What is required is engagement and talking which is essential as people have not hardened their stand. As a participant in TV discussions, I have found a steady deterioration in quality. Most are reduced to a shouting match. This is felt by audience as wells as participants. In the past we have had standing examples of statesmen like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee who exchanged diverse views and criticised without ever hurting anyone. I would like to add that despite all this, I have found the wisdom of common people that I come across during my extensive travels very profound.
On Padmavati controversy and censorship
In an ideal world, a writer should not face any censorship but we do not live in one. As a part of our social contract with people and the society, we need to balance creative freedom and public sentiments. In case of Padmavati too one has to cognisance of historical accuracy and sentiments.
Having said that, I would like to add that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been always very good to female characters in his films. He fleshes them with many layers and gravitas, so it is difficult to believe that he would not have been fair to Padmavati. Moreover, I strictly believe in the law of the land. I feel is that the Government should have told people that there is a Central Board of Film Certification and an Appellate Tribunal too to look into the matter.
Politics should not get into arts. Our Constitution guarantees creative freedom as well as guidelines to ensure that sentiments are not hurt. So let the law take its course.
On improving content in films
Improvement is evident from films like Queen , Tanu Weds Manu and Mary Kom but we still have a long way to go. For that, the audience must support good films as they can’t exist in silos. All forms of art need to be supported and we can’t be issuing a fatwa because a Muslim woman wears a swim suit or cut Deepika’s nose for essaying Padmavati’s role.
I am more concerned about women-centric films. All female experiences and aspects, whether they are grey, white or black should be explored. Also unlike the West, where a Julia Roberts can guarantee a box office opening, and is as important as Richard Gere or Tom Cruise, in India we do not have a Kareena or a Priyanka doing so in India. Twenty years down the line, it will happen with more women joining the industry as directors, writers, camerapersons....
On the road ahead
I will like to pen a non-fiction on contemporary and women issues. I am writing a screenplay on the lines of Kahani which I hope to direct. Handing over the screenplay feels like giving a child for adoption after raising him/her.
