In a diary entry made sometime in the late 1990s, Tillotama Shome wrote: “I want to act in a film with a director of international fame that will make people all over the world happy.” She had taken up theatre while studying literature at Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi, an experience she describes as “enriching and fulfilling”, and one that helped her come out of her shell. She had not yet started doing films.
“Can you imagine? It was completely naïve,” she says with a laugh about the diary entry. Six months later, her wish came true when she was offered a role in Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding (2001). “It was a film that made people happy,” she says, recalling how the team was on its way to attend the film festival in Toronto when 9/11 happened. She speaks about how, in a time of such tragedy, it was art that brought relief. “The film boosted public morale. I still get messages from people,” she says.
This March, however, has not been that favourable to art. Thanks to the lockdown, all shows and performances have been cancelled. While Shome’s digital show on Alt Balaji, Mentalhood, is being applauded, two of her films have been affected— Homi Adajania’s Angrezi Medium, which released just before the theatres closed and is now available on Disney+ Hotstar, and Rohena Gera’s Sir, which was to come out a week later but has now been postponed.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Themes Of Choice
As Savvy Investors Seek New Avenues, Thematic Mutual Funds Are Gaining Popularity
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict