By Kavita Chhibber
The opening night of the India International Festival of Boston, on September 13, brought us “Navras Katha Collage” – one of the most compelling films and performances that I have seen after legendary actor the late Sanjeev Kumar’s performance in the film “Naya Din Nayi Raat.”
We discovered a brilliant new actor, Praveen Hingonia. He is new for us but not new for the film industry. He plays 9 different characters, depicting the nine rasas. Each emotion is depicted through a story.
Each story brought its own flavor – gritty, funny, graphic at times, painful to watch at others – but a must watch for sure.
The actor lost his mother recently so could not make it to the festival. But the film ended in a very important panel conversation about “Resilience and Resistance: Women issues in the South Asian Communities”. I was one of the participants.
Sugandha Gopal, who moderated the panel, had some thought-provoking questions about the treatment of women in the film industry, whether women participated and promoted the issues of patriarchy and some of the difficulties that come with it.
While answering those questions I realized how fortunate I was to have been born to parents who told me whatever boys could do I could do better. And I actually did. I played cricket, football, marbles and flew kites with the boys and beat them at it.
I didn’t know I was living in a patriarchal society because both my grandmothers were fiercely independent and brilliant women who were respected by everyone. My father treated my mother and his two daughters like we were royalty and the most important people in his life.
I only found out when a friend of mine was pregnant and was told by her mother in-law that if she produced a boy she would give her a very expensive piece of jewelry. But if it was a girl, not to come home.
I remember walking up to her really kind husband and telling him, “Do you want to tell your mother that the gender determination is because of you and not my friend? Because if I tell your mom, it won’t be very pleasant for her.”
It started a fierce protection and support for many of my friends, many of whom were weighed down by the burden of toeing the line, not being supported emotionally, or being given the same opportunities as their brothers.
I said in the panel discussion, that what we allow continues in every part of life, not just in the film industry. And unless we teach our sons to love and respect women and women to have zero tolerance for disrespect, the issues will continue.
Divorce was another sensitive topic that was dealt with in a very unusual way.
When parents fight, and divorce occurs, the children are effectively also getting divorced. Abusive marriages and toxic codependency both create trauma and turmoil that can scar your kids for life. Trigger points are created that may lead to self sabotage in so many ways, and result in therapy for endless years.
There was a story about those trying to protect others from abuse, who often cannot protect themselves from abuse from that same abuse.
A heart warming story was presented of a struggling actor who wants to be a character actor but is told he “does not fit the bill.” He is given an inspiring lecture on perseverance, patience and faith… and how these can bring the Universe to align with your dreams.
There was a story about anger destroying so much, the complicated world of parent-child relationship, and the extent to which a mother can go for her child’s happiness.
And that mother is a eunuch. Love is love.
My father was a military general. He was also Mr. Mom.
I always honor his memory every father’s day and mother’s day!
There was a story that hit home about how war and espionage only creates losers. My father was in the army and always said that.
A fascinating treatment was given to a story inspired by the notrious Nirbhaya rape case of 2012.
This film is a true labor of love, made with pure intent by truly authentic actors.
When asked how men can be involved in the dialogue and help, the Producer SKS Patel said, he wants to bring awareness and conversations by producing films like these.
Part 2 of Navras Katha Collage will have a woman playing all the 9 roles depicting the same emotions.
Can’t wait to see that one as well.
I’m looking forward to my interview with Praveen Hingonia who is the co-producer, writer, director and lead actor in the film. Grateful to the promoter SKS Patel for arranging it so quickly.
I saw some of Praveen’s interviews and noticed a purity of heart, a sincerity and authenticity that moved me.
The film is now getting a theatrical release on the 18th of October and is a must watch.
The India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB) is all about this. Showcasing films that present some hard hitting stories, and get us thinking! And it always gives hope that some good will definitely come out of it. Festivals like these are not just a cultural platform but also a humanitarian one .