The Unconventional Nandita Das
April 8, 2011The popularity and reach of Nandita Das – her acting and her films – is not just restricted to Indian sub continent but has found a niche in international arena also. She epitomizes the young Indian woman who stands up against injustice in the social set up in her own methods and tries to make people aware of the practices that need to be changed. By portraying unconventional roles and choosing unusual films, she tries to throw light on confusions, emotions and unnoticed issues in the social set up.
Nandita Das entered film industry through Parinati, an Oriya film, in 1996. But she really got noticed for the controversial movie Fire directed by Deepa Mehta. As Sita in that film, she talks about homosexuality without inhibitions. She skillfully enacts the quandaries and family situation of a woman whose desires are being disregarded by her husband. Her sister-in-law becomes her companion in this bewilderment as she also goes through the same situation. Their wish for comfort and mental space makes them accept their relation and they start living together.
She has selected to act in movies which covered issues and societal norms in a different way. Her masters degree in social work and the work experience from many NGOs helped her comprehend society and judiciary better. Through the different characters like Kannaki, Nandini Mitra, Shanta, Shyama, Sanwari, Sajani, she portrays different female characters. Most of her movies are based on issues and has complex subjects.
She was deeply affected by the riots in Gujarat (2002), seeing the altered life of people of many religions and responses. Based on many true stories related to the tragic incident, she directed Firaaq, her debut film as a director. The film narrates stories of different people who have lost their dear ones, who set out find their loved ones and who are traumatized by the riot. The film got many national and international awards for best film and best script.
Nandita Das is acclaimed for her acting talent in Hindi, Telugu, Urdu, Bengali, English, Malayalam, Oriya, Kannada, Tamil and Marathi. She has acted in films of filmmakers of national and international repute like Deepa Mehta, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Mani Ratnam, Shyam Benegal and Mrinal Sen, being some of them. Besides acting, she is also keenly involved in bringing about the change in society and often takes classes on AIDS, issues related children and violence against women. She heads Children’s Film Society of India.
Nandita Das is born to Jatin das, an acclaimed painter and Varsha, a writer. Hailing from New Delhi, she joined theatre after completing her studies, besides teaching at a school. Subodh Maskara is her life partner and they are blessed with a son, Vihaan.
To find more details on Nandita Das and bollywood videos go to Doctorflix.
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