Can women never be guilt-free? Is the industry not ready for films led by women? 

These were the key questions that were discussed in a session titled ‘from setbacks to comebacks: the power of persistence,’ featuring Tahira Kashyap, writer and director. The session was moderated by Atika Farooqui, creative director, Viacom18. 

Starting on a light note, Kashyap reflected on her personal growth and how her perspective towards life has changed over a period of time.  

“Whatever stage of life that we are at, 15 years back would definitely be a little immature, more restless, less grounded and bubbling with energy. Even back then I wanted to conquer the world but now at this point in life, the definition of the world has changed for me where now I have realised that I need to be seen by myself first rather than the world. The concept of getting appreciation and validation from the world has changed,” she said.

Kashyap also highlighted the added hormonal play in women’s lives, which men do not go through.

On asking about how her identity is conditioned to just being a star wife, she said, “For those who consider me just a Bollywood wife, I am okay with that. There was a time when I used to get worked up about it but not anymore. I take pride in all my relationships and value them deeply and greatly and I don’t mind being called someone’s wife, someone’s mother or someone’s daughter. But, I will appreciate it if people will see me as a person and not just as a type.”

Talking about how there are different aspects of life which can bog us down, Kashyap reflected on her journey of battling cancer and how it was her innate faith that helped her navigate through the difficult times. 

“Each one of us goes through our tough phases of life, whether it’s in the form of relationships, health, finance or heartbreak. Nobody wants a hardship coming their way and I was not expecting the one that came my way. One thing that supported me in my journey was faith. For as long as we are alive, we keep having obstacles, we keep having struggles to make a film, to live another day or face health issues or financial issues. But, it’s the faith that gives you energy and the positivity to acknowledge your small wins,” she added. 

She advised people to be grateful in life when an obstacle comes or a problem arises as that’s their chance at evolution. “Situations don’t change if you don’t face adversity. Obstacles come so that you use it as a springboard, get on top of it and jump onto it to get to the next level of life,” she noted.

In a world where we are struck by age-old narratives, Kashyap discussed the narratives that she would like to propel in the world of creativity. 

“Men and women are beautiful and they need to be appreciated in the spaces and should be given equal opportunities and equal pay. I want to go on to make a commercial film wherein my female protagonist will not just be a table on the stage. She will have more to contribute to the story and have a unique take. It would be interesting for the audience to also look into the shades of grey that women also have or a funny bone that they have,” she asserted. 

Discussing her journey as a filmmaker, she focused on how her sheer resilience got her through the difficult times.  

“We are all progressing and the time for good films will definitely come. I hope each one of us buys a ticket where the film is led by women and we are equally excited about it,” she concluded.