Crafting Stories That Matter: A Filmmaker’s Journey of Resilience, Vision, and Social Impact”

In this exclusive interview, we dive into the creative world of a passionate filmmaker whose journey is fueled by storytelling, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of cinema. From her early inspirations drawn from iconic figures like Shah Rukh Khan to the steadfast support of her husband, Prasenjit Dasgupta, she has navigated the complex terrain of filmmaking with determination and vision. With a background in the arts that shaped her multidisciplinary approach, she has brought to life socially conscious projects like her debut film Bandh, a political family drama, and the internationally acclaimed bilingual web series Kuch Kuch Film Jaisi. Despite the challenges and stereotypes of the film industry, her work, marked by over 143 accolades from international film festivals, continues to push boundaries, address societal issues, and inspire audiences worldwide. Join us as she reflects on her journey, the creative processes behind her standout projects, and her vision for the future of impactful cinema.

  1. What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking, and how has your background as an arts graduate shaped your approach to cinema?

My passion for filmmaking was sparked by a deep love for storytelling and the power of visual art to evoke emotion and provoke thought. Growing up, I was captivated by films that transported me to different worlds and offered new perspectives on life. This fascination led me to explore various art forms, and I quickly realized that film combines all these elements—narrative, visual aesthetics, sound, and performance—in a unique way that resonates with audiences on multiple levels. As an arts graduate, my academic background has helped to shape my approach to cinema. My education encouraged collaboration and innovation, essential tools in the filmmaking process. I learned to value diverse perspectives, which has enriched my storytelling. I believe that cinema should reflect the complexity of human experiences, and my arts background ensures that I approach my projects with a multidisciplinary lens, always striving to create art that resonates and inspires. It is this blend of inspiration from both the visual arts and storytelling that drives my passion for filmmaking, motivating me to create work that is both meaningful and thought-provoking. As for inspiration, I must mention, Mr. Shah Rukh Khan and my husband Prasenjit Dasgupta, if these two people are not there, then I would not have become a film maker. Shah Rukh Khan inspired me from the childhood, he motivated me to fight for fulfilling my dreams and wishes and after that it was my husband Prasenjit Dasgupta who inspired me to pursue my dream, that’s why  I am here.

  1. Can you share more about the journey that led you to create your debut film “Bandh”?

My journey to creating my debut film was both challenging and rewarding. My maiden venture Bandh was a self-assessment journey of my professional calibre, my strength self-discovery of my strengths and shortcomings. Bandh is a political based family drama very closed to my heart as it is like my child, I gather a lot of experience through this film.

The idea for my debut film came from a personal experience that I felt needed to be shared. I wrote a script that not only reflected my own journey but also resonated with universal themes of love, loss, and resilience. Bringing this vision to life involved assembling a resolute team, securing funding, and navigating the challenges of production. Each step was a learning opportunity that strengthened my commitment to the project. The journey taught me the importance of perseverance and the power of storytelling, leading to the creation of a film of which I am truly proud.

A strike is a protest for anything on behalf of public political party called but due to this strike how people feel and what is their thought regarding this strike that is main theme of Bandh, and I remarkably close to observe these things and try to portrait it through my film.

  1. Your bilingual web series “Kuch Kuch Film Jaisi” has received significant international recognition. What was the creative process behind this project?

The creative process for “Kuch Kuch Film Jaisi” was quite organic. It was not planned; instead, it felt like a project I was meant to create.  A few close friends of mine from Mumbai, Nepal ,Kolkata   decided to work together, which inspired the script of this web series . Rather than writing the script first and then casting, I selected the cast and tailored the script to fit their strengths. This approach allowed me to create a more authentic and relatable series. I aimed to ensure that each cast member had a key role, giving justice to both the story and their performances.

  1. What is your experience during making of Kuch kuch film jaisi?

It was baby step in Bollywood, it is Bengali -Hindi Web series and during making of this project  I learnt a lot of things that I never expected ,I came to know a lot of hidden truth and although  I have received a lot of awards, recognition  for this web series as Best Film maker ,Best Director, Best Writer from all over the world I did not expect such wonderful results. In fact, Kuch kuch film jaisi is an unexpected Life changing event in my life. Good or bad I love it, and I accept it from my heart.

  1. According to you who is best Actor /Actress in Kuch kuch film Jaisi?

(Smile) Everybody is super actor/actress, not only that some of them  have directorial quality also, Prithwijeet Seth, Vikhyat Swades, Urusha Pandey specially are fabulous actors/actress . I learnt a lot from them. I am thankful to God that I met with them, and I have made that kuch kuch film jaisi.

  1. How did you approach addressing societal issues while ensuring the series remained entertaining and engaging for audiences?

I believe that film is a mirror of society as well as mirror of film maker’s mind so, my vision reflects in my work. I try to rectify errors around me whatever possible for me, so through film making I also do this. At least I can portrait the thought through my project which can change the people mindset towards some serious issue. In Bandh film how strike   its impact on public is the subject and in kuch kuch film jaisi rape, mental illness, jealous nature how affect innocent human that I portrait. Through entertainment I try to say lightly social issues and its solution, if it change in good way one people in earth that is my best reward.

  1. With over 143 accolades from various international film festivals, how do you perceive the global reception of your work?

I never thought it will ever got so many awards ,in fact when I make this series In India hardly people praise my work which I  felt  very low at that time ,but when I sent it to various film festival in abroad then people will like it ,praised it and receiving  so many awards from Hollywood  ,Brazil, India ,Singapore is unbelievable, for that I am thankful to God it helps me to    understand my worth, value of my work and it means a lot and life changing experience. Sometimes I thought when people of your surroundings do not praise your work then God see your efforts, intention and do the needful. God bless all who praised it ,who don’t .

  1. What has been the most memorable feedback or experience from the international film festivals?

Getting award is itself memorable thing, when I got first Honourable mention from Hollywood Gold awards it is just like dream comes true  ,and when after that one after one I got awards from Hollywood ,India ,Torrento ,Brazil ..I just thrilled and I never thought people like this web series so much and for that I am really grateful ,it motivated me to work more efficiently , honesty and ethically .

  1. How do you navigate and challenge stereotypes within the film industry, and what changes would you like to see in the industry’s approach to socially responsible filmmaking?

Film industry has no entry fees, so anybody can enter in this field, and it is most challenging and dangerous thing. As this is creative business field and no degree or education you do not need, so it is extremely hard to judge who is sustainable at the last. So, though it is creative business and some people think they are creative but actual things is quite different, creativity judge by public not by us or our favourite people, it is hard reality to digest but it is true. So basic parameter should be there entered in this film industry, so that their precious time will not get wasted and audience also not got cheated by seeing scarp film.

  1. Can you share an example of how you have addressed or confronted industry norms through your work?

What I saw people (some) easily judge others by their look, lifestyle, attitude, material things, other things etc and you cannot judge a book by a simple cover. For understand and feel the essence of the book you must read the whole book, But people (some) don’t have time ,they think what they want to think about a person and quality of the person comes at the last ,and he or she has to prove themselves and take many years as they don’t get proper support and people think that they are nothing ,so nothing to something this period is quite frustrating because it is just because of people some mindset you have to suffer without having any fault  .But one day you will win ,those who think you are just a scrap the same people will  clap for you ,but that day may be you don’t care anymore who clapping for you or who are  not .You are transformed into a  new person ,your story is may be more interesting for others ,but very painful for you. So I am also judged by a lot of some people ,they doubt ,they even work with me still they have doubt ,because other than usual film makers I don’t do work like them ,I make the film in my own way ,generally I don’t follow any rules but create mine and some people think I am naive ,may be due to the simplicity of my appearance ,by my friendly helpful attitude they got that impression, I can’t help it ,but what is in my hand ,that is my work ..I only do my work ,and I believe with time everything will change and I will also change eventually ,in future I am not accessible   for those who judge me for nothing .So judging people some is hurting but it’s ok .It is part of life .I accept that ..

  1. What is your vision for the future of cinema, and how do you plan to leverage your work to catalyse positive societal change?

Now a days everybody (Almost) thinks he or she is celebrity, in digital era people are busy to make reels and you tube, so most of audience now become active performer, influencer. In positive way people who are new comer (some) they ate not going to production house for getting break/chance ,they make audition and upload in you tube along with create their own content and  they will income from this, they don’t need to struggle any more 14/15 years to established themselves in film industry ,they are fulfil their dream and show their talent and earning from this also. Who are less visionary (some) they will upload content (what ever) and think that one day they will income from this, they do not care about film industry .  Now in this film industry only those comes who are enthusiastic for this big screen, small screen. who are impatient, not hardworking, immature, egoistic they already eliminate in this round, and it is particularly good news for film  industry. Only deserving people, hardworking, patient, honest, enthusiastic, creative person will come in this film industry and naturally all are good then output will be good, and audience will get better things to experience.

  1. Are there any upcoming projects or themes you are particularly excited about exploring?

I am always excited about my any project, because every project is mine just not for money making process but I pick up topic of my every project which can uplift the mankind, can point out the problem in our society and try to give solution in my own way, because  I believe a film can change the world if properly portrait it and properly teach to the audience .I  love to do this. I am working on couple of talk show, film web series for national and international market.

  1. What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers who wish to create socially conscious and impactful cinema?

Every film maker has his or her own thought so no need to teach them anything, they create the product what they can/wish, if I say that create a specific thing if that film maker’s thought does not match with that they cannot. So, some film maker make film over love, extra material affair in his whole life, because he cannot think beyond that, and he should not do other type of film forcefully because result will be horrible.

Like me, I do not know how to drive still if I try to drive a car, accident will must happen. So, what you are not comfortable you should not try that to satisfy others, so every film maker what they want to make, they should do that only. But yes, one should keep it mind that film is mirror of society, so be careful what you are telling there, it can impact on whole society and film makers also live in society, so his family surrounded also feel the impact. So, it is only your responsibility what you are showing in film. So be responsible and make responsible film for society.

  1. How important are faith, diligence, and integrity in achieving true success in the Film industry?

Faith, hope, integrity if you do not have you cannot go to the top. Every successful person has these qualities other than honesty, morality, hardworking quality. If you do not have any faith on yourself, you will be insecure, confused and success never comes to those who are insecure of your own abilities, and regarding integrity without this even an honest person one day become dishonest. This is creative business world if you do not have faith, integrity, honesty …how can you survived? Never you can! You can cheat all people for some times, some people for all time not all people for all time. So, these qualities are must in this film industry to see yourself as successful. I believe in hard work, I never bother what people say, so if people say good or bad it does not much affect me. For me satisfaction is more important than success. Believe in Yourself, work hard, love your work as worship …and magic happen.

  1. You have faced misconceptions in your career. How have you managed to stay true to your vision and values amidst these challenges?

Vision is mine so it doesn’t matter that what people think about it. Yes they create obstacles and as we live in a society we all have to deal with those negative mindset people, and it is called struggle to overcome those people ‘s thought and do your own job. I just do whatever I want to do, no matter what people think, yes, I never do any work what hurts others. Interestingly, I met a lot of jealous people who take advantage from me and after that not only backstab me, betrayed me but spread bad rumour so that other people will believe their lies, it hurts as I did from my heart and they just try to feel me that how naive I was, but it’s ok, if you are useful then only people use you. I keep away from those people and make new circle who values me genuinely. I am fortunate that I learn lesson that how valuable you are not matters but if you are wrong place, you are valueless. Some people judge you before they know you and only true person can understand and recognised another true person. Even people have mis conception regarding you, with time they will understand your value though they tell you or not. The pertinent matter is one should be true to his or herself, rest of nothing matter. we are making project for audience /public, so public will tell negative or positive, it is ok. They have rights to say, and everything is I accepted from my heart. But spreading false rumour about me, negativity from some group of people will never change my true intention, vision.

  1. What strategies have helped you maintain integrity and authenticity in your work?

For someone who has integrity and authenticity they don’t need any strategy to maintain that, whatever problem they are going through they never leave their integrity and authenticity, because these are in their DNA. So there is no question of maintaining that. It is there. You always carry that as make up kit of your soul. In my career some of person try to defaming me, try to destroy my personal and professional life by spreading false rumour, false blame, they groupism against me for their personal benefits, jealousy. However, I am here standing steadfast with my same honesty, morality, ethics, integrity that remains unaverred. Such unethical behaviour of people who were once close to me hurt me emotionally, but that cannot put a dent in my integrity, morality, ethics ever, rather it strong more and more when I hurt by others.

  1. As a wife and mother, how do you balance your personal life with the demands of your filmmaking career?

In fact, I am very imbalanced person in personal life, though I try a lot, but people who loves me, my husband, my child all adjusts with me, not me. I only focus on career, though I love my family, but I hardly do some significant things for them to say. I try to cook food for them regularly, but same time I thought I am not doing properly take care of them what should I do, though I have intention, but I cannot because I cannot give one hundred% dedication towards my family though I always feel for them. Some people think I can very perfectly balance both personal and professional life, but I do not think so. I leave my small child at his father custody in abroad when I am working, they never complaint for that, but I feel bad for not doing more things what I should do as mother, as wife. So, in my eyes I am perfectly imperfect person and both my husband, and my son patiently tolerate me, because they love me and see me as successful at my work. For that I am thankful to them that although I am not giving one hundred % of my time, responsibility still they love me accept me as I am.

  1. What role has your family played in supporting your career and creative endeavours?

In my family one and only my husband Prasenjit Dasgupta helped me blindly in my career, for him I am here, otherwise I may be in other profession, it was destined to meet him, learn from him and he motivated me and as result I become film maker, it is all God ‘s plan. He teaches me what should not do in professional life, he hardly praises me, because he used to say what I already have a no need to praise that, praising a person become satisfied and satisfied person cannot be successful. This is hurting but true. So, what I am today it is all because of him.

  1. Looking ahead, what are your strategic goals for your career in filmmaking?

I do not have strategy, and it is my strategy. What story attract me I just do that of course I try to make it good, profitable way and which has message for society.

  1. How do you envision your role in the industry evolving over the next few years?

Every film maker has their own mindset, so I have also. I am here for business and here for my passion and helping others who need. So, in coming 5 years my plan to deliver meaningful film /web series to audience who invest their hard earn money and time to watch film, I will try to return their investment with interest and entertainment is free and in business perspective I want to make a project people bound to see again so that financers and investors will get their return properly. From creative aspect I will try to spread our country ‘s name all over the world through my film /web series so that everybody will proud more and more about my Country INDIA.

In a world where stories have the power to inspire, challenge, and transform, Anindgita Dasgupta stands out as a filmmaker who not only captures the human spirit but also ignites conversations that drive change. Her unwavering commitment to storytelling as a tool for social impact, coupled with her resilience and vision, makes her a true trailblazer in the industry. As she continues to break boundaries and redefine what it means to be a filmmaker in today’s world, Anindgita Dasgupta reminds us all that with passion, purpose, and perseverance, we can turn our dreams into powerful realities.