I have to admit that the only Nandita Das film I've seen so far is 1947: Earth (yes, I know...). For me, too, that one was a bit of MY history, because my mother's family had had to flee Amritsar after Partition, and my mum - though she was only about 6 years old - still has very vivid memories of the horrors she saw, or heard of. It's a superb movie, and Nandita's mesmerising in it.
I should certainly look out for more of her films. Actually, I should probably start watching some more new films; I'm too stuck in the past!
If you watch just one more Nandita film, make it Firaaq. A great directorial debut, plus it has both Deepti & Naseer, which is a bit of a blast from the past in itself. :)
Apart from lack of time, I must admit the reason I haven't seen many Nandita films is because they seem too grim for me too handle but I do very much appreciate the commitment and integrity she possesses.
I've heard you talk about Nandita and her work before but this post outlines everything about both that draws you in so well. I would totally watch that movie with Rahul Khanna and Nandita that you proposed.
Don't worry, nakhrewali (wordplay potential there) even I have to be in the mood for a Nandita film! :) I'm hoping that being a Mum and having spent nearly two years as chair of the Children's Film Society might see her shift focus to make or be part of films that celebrate life at least a little bit.
That's a lovely tribute; I think you did justice to both Ms Das and your admiration of her.
I haven't seen a Nandita film in a very long time; I should probably go get on seeing Firaaq sooner rather than later but the list is so long now I don't know when I'll ever get to it.
As you know *Fire* was the firestarter for me, and although I am sure I read far more into that movie than most anyone else does, I have to say that I have spun entire backstories (and entire next chapters) for Nandita's character based largely on her body language and on all of the extra expression she gives to the character beyond what her dialogue conveys. For whatever reason, that more than anything else is the mark of a great acting performance - what do you tell me about your character's state of mind, beyond what you tell me with the words you speak? Nonverbal performance is, to me, the key to a great performance - and Nandita is powerfully skilled at that.
Thanks Carla, that means a lot coming from you! I agree about the nonverbal performance element, too, after all, that and delivery are the actor's own contribution to the part. I'd love to hear what some of your "what happens next" ideas for Nandita's Sita are, too.
I have to admit that the only Nandita Das film I've seen so far is 1947: Earth (yes, I know...). For me, too, that one was a bit of MY history, because my mother's family had had to flee Amritsar after Partition, and my mum - though she was only about 6 years old - still has very vivid memories of the horrors she saw, or heard of. It's a superb movie, and Nandita's mesmerising in it.
ReplyDeleteI should certainly look out for more of her films. Actually, I should probably start watching some more new films; I'm too stuck in the past!
If you watch just one more Nandita film, make it Firaaq. A great directorial debut, plus it has both Deepti & Naseer, which is a bit of a blast from the past in itself. :)
ReplyDeleteApart from lack of time, I must admit the reason I haven't seen many Nandita films is because they seem too grim for me too handle but I do very much appreciate the commitment and integrity she possesses.
ReplyDeleteI've heard you talk about Nandita and her work before but this post outlines everything about both that draws you in so well. I would totally watch that movie with Rahul Khanna and Nandita that you proposed.
Don't worry, nakhrewali (wordplay potential there) even I have to be in the mood for a Nandita film! :) I'm hoping that being a Mum and having spent nearly two years as chair of the Children's Film Society might see her shift focus to make or be part of films that celebrate life at least a little bit.
DeleteThat's a lovely tribute; I think you did justice to both Ms Das and your admiration of her.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen a Nandita film in a very long time; I should probably go get on seeing Firaaq sooner rather than later but the list is so long now I don't know when I'll ever get to it.
As you know *Fire* was the firestarter for me, and although I am sure I read far more into that movie than most anyone else does, I have to say that I have spun entire backstories (and entire next chapters) for Nandita's character based largely on her body language and on all of the extra expression she gives to the character beyond what her dialogue conveys. For whatever reason, that more than anything else is the mark of a great acting performance - what do you tell me about your character's state of mind, beyond what you tell me with the words you speak? Nonverbal performance is, to me, the key to a great performance - and Nandita is powerfully skilled at that.
-carla (filmi geek)
Thanks Carla, that means a lot coming from you! I agree about the nonverbal performance element, too, after all, that and delivery are the actor's own contribution to the part. I'd love to hear what some of your "what happens next" ideas for Nandita's Sita are, too.
Delete