For Cinema With a Conscience

Natasha Mudhar, the founder of The World We Want Studios, talks to Bazaar India on bridging art, impact, and authenticity in films.

- SONAL VED

At The World We Want Studios, founder Natasha Mudhar is driving projects that are not only steeped in rich storytelling, but also address complex issues with depth and nuance. She has worked on campaign for Pad Man (2018)—a film on menstrual hygiene—the BAFTA campaign for Laapataa Ladies (2024), and even managed to get on board Hollywood actors Salma Hayek and Matt Damon to back Akshay Kumar-starrer Toilet Ek Prem Katha (2017). Mudhar’s latest ventures include co-producing Lear Rex—a reimagining of King Lear starring Al Pacino— and executive producing the Johnny Depp directorial Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness—both the projects are produced by Barry Navidi. Versatile stories that push boundaries with their blend of art and advocacy seem to be where Mudhar is most interested in carving out a niche for herself.

A second-generation British Asian whose family immigrated to the United Kingdom, Mudhar has deep ties with her Indian heritage, making her journey even more compelling. In this conversation with Bazaar India, she opens up about what drew her to her current projects, including the story of the SomaliBritish boxing champion Ramla Ali, her reflections on the ties between creativity and madness, and her vision for cinema as a tool of transformation.

Harper’s Bazaar: What do you think sets Lear Rex apart from other adaptations of King Lear?

Natasha Mudhar: Its vision. It presents [William] Shakespeare’s work in a way that’s vibrant, accessible, and intensely cinematic, merging timeless themes of power, betrayal, and loyalty with Hollywood’s visual and emotional dynamism. Directed by Bernard Rose and featuring a stellar cast, including Al Pacino, Jessica Chastain, Rachel Brosnahan, and Peter Dinklage, it brings a bold cinematic vision to King Lear.