Tahira Kashyap is not a bra-burning feminist. Her brand of soft feminism is something you can connect with. She believes in mutual respect and mutual growth amidst mutual harmony. She understands that due to familial concerns and motherhood duties, a woman's career might take a backseat but she doesn't believe in being a martyr to these realities. After a long gestation period, her labour of love, Sharmajee Ki Beti finally bore fruit and was released on OTT. Though Tahira would have been happier if it had a theatrical release. She narrates the genesis of her maiden effort as a director and also takes us through her life's journey in this captivating interview. Excerpts:
What was it like when your film Sharmajee Ki Beti was shown for the first time at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and it garnered a lot of appreciation?
I was nervous at the MAMI film festival. When the film received a standing ovation, I was bewildered. The most beautiful part was that not only women but also men were appreciating it. Each character in the film has become a favourite of someone or the other, which is a win-win situation for me. Despite taking seven years to complete, the film still appears relevant and fresh. Unfortunately, the issues that were pertinent seven years ago remain relevant even today. So, as a society, how much have we truly progressed?
You wrote this film in 2017. Why did it take seven years to reach an audience?
The challenge lay in securing financial investment for this project. While the story was universally praised, there was always a caveat. “But there’s no hero in this film,” they said. Even if there is a heroine, she isn’t 20 or 21 years old. Suggestions came to cast an A-lister so the film could ride on their name. Many such temptations came our way. Then there was the task of securing studio backing, followed by a personal setback (being diagnosed with breast cancer).
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