Actress Vidya Balan is foraying film production with a short film titled Natkhat. Featuring her in the lead role, the story revolves around a mother who inculcates the ideas of gender equality and respect for women, in her son from a tender age. As the film underlines the importance of consent in relationships, Vidya said in an interaction with a leading daily, "We cannot do away with centuries of patriarchy, overnight."
She further highlighted the importance of such films in the wake of Bois Locker Room scandal and said that the recent controversy is a wake-up call for the country. "It makes you realise how we are products of patriarchy. These are young kids who are impressionable, and that's where upbringing comes into play. Friends, family, the educational system and media are all collectively responsible [in influencing young minds, thereby effecting change]," she said, adding, "Through Natkhat, we have tried to show that change has to begin at home. Preaching doesn't yield anything. So, in the film, the mother systematically tries to change a child's perspective of power equation, gender equality, respect and more, through stories. Conversations around the role of parenting, and what constitutes consent should be constantly evolving. We are both victims and perpetrators of patriarchy."
Meanwhile, amid the COVID-19 lockdown, Vidya is apparently looking at direct-to-web release of her short film. When asked about it, she said that she wants to take the film to every school in the country and ensure that the film reaches maximum people. "The project was to travel to a few festivals, but they have been cancelled. Some OTT platforms have shown interest in picking it up. Ronnie [Screwvala, co-producer] and I are evaluating the options available," she signed off by saying.
Workwise, she will also be seen in biographical Shakuntala Devi.
(Source: Mid-Day)
