Tia Virdi of StarBuzz talks to PETR CANCURA , Director - OTTAWA JAZZ FES...

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CENTRE STAGE: Tia's talk with Veena Gokhale, Author of Newly Published Book "Bombay Wali"

Author Veena Gokhale

In Bombay Wali and other stories, recently released by Guernica Editions, Toronto,  Veena Gokhale presents engaging characters negotiating challenging situations in Bombay, and other urban locales in India and elsewhere. An Indo-Canadian writer presently living in Montreal, Veena first came to Canada in 1990 and has lived in Toronto and other Canadian cities.

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Bombay Wali is available on amazon.ca ​and at Chapters/Indigo 

Visit Veena’s lively website for more info. http://www.veenago.com/story

Come and hear Veena read with other Guernica authors in Toronto on Sunday, April 21, 4 pm, at Supermarket, 268 Augusta Ave. Free event. Buy an autographed copy!

Q: Where were you born and raised? 

I was born in Bombay. My mother was finishing her medical residency at a hospital there; so for the first few months I was a baby pampered by the nurses! Then we moved to a small town at the very centre of India called Bhilai. It had one of the five steel plants in independent India, where my father, an engineer, found a job, while my mother worked at the big hospital there. We moved to Calcutta (Eastern India) after that and I did my secondary school there. Then we zigzagged to Baroda, which is in Western India, in Gujarat. Finally we moved back to Bombay where I completed my Bachelors, did a communications diploma and worked as a journalist. So it was a bit of a nomadic existence, and since my father liked travelling we also went to Rajasthan, the Himalayan hill stations and other places.    

Q: How do you think the environment you were in and your surroundings shaped what you do now?

Tia's Talk

My grandmother was a larger than life figure in my life who listened to the radio a lot (there was no TV then) held forth on politics with all who came home and told me stories from Hindu mythology, sitting under a starry night sky. She taught me to read and write in Marathi before I went to English kindergarten, and all through my childhood, I read a lot. I was also an only child till age 10. She and my mother always emphasized being honest and fair. The atmosphere at home was open and outgoing. I also adore nature. My life as a journalist, writer and someone who has worked with international development and environment non profits, after coming to Canada, is the result. I was a member of a children’s club run by a family friend, an “auntie” who stressed strength and action for women. This general trend continued, even through a turbulent adolescent and feeling rather lost and lonely when I first moved back to big, bad Bombay!

Author Veena Gokhali with "Bombay Wali" on Marine Drive,
which stretches from downtown Mumbai for a few kilometres
along the sea. It's a breezy promenade where
people take walks even as cars whizz by. It is featured
directly in two stories in Bombay Wali - Freire Stopped in
Bombay and Middle Age Jazz and Blues.

    
Q: What led you to realize that you wanted to be a writer?  

The train station, which used to be called Victoria Terminus, 

is now renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. 

(Designed by Frederick William Stevens

with influences from Victorian Italianate Gothic 

Revival architecture and traditional Mughal buildings, 

the station was built in 1887 i.e. during British rule - wikipedia). 

It features briefly in 3 other stories in the book - the title story 

Bombay Wali and another called Zindagi Itefaq Hai - 

Life is Chance and the third called The Room.

I wrote my first short story at age 8 and it was published in my school magazine. I was heavily influenced by Enid Blyton then, a British children’s writer whose books were very popular in India then. My parents also subscribed to a children’s mag. which contained Indian folk tales called Chanda Mama (Uncle Moon). I did well in English and my teachers also asked me to tell stories to my classmates. I would tell stories I had read but I also started to make them up, extempore! Sometimes this worked and sometimes it backfired a bit! I would lose my thread and the kids would be staring at me and I had to invent wildly! I started talking about being a writer then, but later I realized being a journalist might be a bit more practical!

Q: How do you think you are impacting the South Asian community through your writings?

Well, the book is just out so not much impact yet! Though some friends are helping me host events. I would love to do readings at South Asian community events, I would love to connect. I encourage event organizers to visit my website and e-mail me at veenago@gmail.com My stories are not stereotypical. I have been told the writing style, the humour, the little surprises, make them a bit different. I have characters like Dilip, a dalit students who has come to Bombay on a government scholarship from his village, and Munni, a little servant girl. I show the sexual dilemmas of late, adolescent college girls, a woman stuck in her home while there’s a riot outside, reflecting on violence. There’s  Ashok, a Westernized business man who is forced to confront tradition and heritage. And I have journalist characters in two stories – male and female. Three of the 12 stories are not set in India and do not portray Indians, adding more variety. Each story could spark an interesting discussion, so I also encourage book clubs to get in touch.

Q: How do you think your writings are influencing the western world and mainstream?

Hey, this is just my first book and it is just out so I don’t know how influential it might be. It is very hard for a new fiction writer published by a small (but reputed) publisher to get her book out there and noticed, leave alone taken seriously. The publishing industry is tough, competitive, mercurial. Still I am trying in many different ways to publicize my book including doing community events and social media (check out Bombay Wali on Pinterest, Good Reads, Facebook, Youtube). I  want to try and get this book republished in India. I will outreach publishers there later this year. My publisher on

ly reaches North America and the UK. I have a French-Canadian partner and my mother-in-law has translated some of the stories. That’s just great and we will look for a publisher in France and/or Quebec in a few months. I do feel my book is interesting, different, contemporary, and in these early days I am getting a very positive response from readers. There will be some reviews soon and interviews are happening as well.  

Q: What do you think is special about South Asian writers? 

They sure have a lot of stories to tell! South Asia is huge in terms of population, diversity and landmass, so no wonder that we have so many writers. There is also such a strong literary and artistic tradition there. There are many  different literary voices in South Asia and the South Asian Diaspora, but there are some common elements I feel. The stories are often very detailed and descriptive, they can give a lot of context, socio-political/ historic. And these writers depict relationships and linkages in depth, often complex ones. South Asia is more community oriented than individualistic, and the writing reflects that. Though that is changing. The region and the writing is dynamic and evolving.

    
Q: What are you currently working on? 

Mumbai (Bombay) Gateway of
India (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Actually I am promoting Bombay Wali 24/7. It’s endless!

 
Q: What do you have in mind for the near future?

 I hope to do the final draft of a novel I have written called Simply There to HELP. Set in an imaginary African country,  it shows the alliances, conflicts and contradictions that can come into play in the context of international development work. The main characters are Anjali, an Indo-Canadian developmental worker, Grace, the Chair of her Board,  a strong character. The two are in conflict. Then there is Fatimah, a farmer who along with her community has been uprooted from her fertile land and has not yet been compensated by the government. She and Anjali form a bond and work to get new land but they run into problems. There is also Mary, Anjali’s kindly maid. The novel is an interplay between the lives of these characters.   

Q: Career wise what is the one thing that has been very special to you? 

One of my most rewarding experiences was working with FarmFolk/City Folk, an amazing, innovative, environmental organization in Vancouver. We explained complex environmental issues in plain language and also pointed to solutions that are doable and even enjoyable for the lay person.

Cngested central area of the city and is called Dadar.

Q: Do you have any particular project you have wanted to work on or be a part of?

Professionally I am very interested in using stories for social change. When working for a non-profit in Tanzania I wrote the scripts for and coordinated the production of two illustrated story books for primary school that dealt with important social issues. I would love to do more such projects. On the more artistic side I want to collaborate with an amazing artist/designer friend in India, Falguni, who did the Bombay Wali cover. We want to create an illustrated storybook for adults (!) tentatively called – The Artichoke, sensuous stories. The book would be a beautiful, sensuous, evocative object.

Q: Anything else that you want to share with our readers

Sure! Don’t just live in cyberspace! It’s seductive and has a lot to offer but so do other things we used to do before we attached ourselves with an invisible umbilical cord to smart phones and computers. Read, try out new things, enjoy the outdoors, breath (!) have real conversations with real people. 

StarBuzzOnline.com

Om Puri Interviewed by Tia Virdi

Source: youtube.com via Meena Chopra on Pinterest

StarBuzz, Toronto

Tia's Talk with Bollywood Dancer & Actress Bhavna Pani - The Lead in 'BHARATI' at Sony Centre Toronto

Tia's Talk

Bhavna Pani is a Bollywood actress and model. She has also learned Contemporary Modern dance and is also trained in Kathak and Odissi. She is an exquisite and talented dancer and actress. She is most famous for being the heroine of Bharati The Show - the most succesful Bollywood musical in many countries. I had a chance of talking to her while she is here in Toronto for her Show BHARATI in Toronto at Sony Centre on 9th -10th Feb, 2013.

Tia's talk: Jonita Gandhi - Nightingale of Toronto

Where were you born and raised?

Technically born in New Delhi, but practically Canada since my family migrated here when I was 9 months old. Raised in the Greater Toronto Area!

Tia's Talk

How do you think the environment you were in and your surroundings shaped for what you do now?

My environment growing up has been incredibly diverse. I grew up in a musical family which really sparked my interest in pursuing singing. It’s all thanks to my father for passing on the musical genes, and encouraging me to show it. My parents have been a huge source of support and I'm lucky in that way. Also, growing up in Canada I've been exposed to a lot of different cultures and styles of music. It has inspired me to try out different genres and learn from styles like Opera to R&B to Chutney/Soca to European folk. I love the multicultural environment that I have been exposed to since a young age and I think it has had a great influence on me and my music.

Tia's Talk with Very Talented Singer and Musician Kasim - watch out for his album this year.

www.insurancerate.com StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto--

-Where were you born and raised? 

I was born in Paris, France and traveled a lot between Europe and North America as a kid. So I guess I grew up on both sides of the ocean.

-How do you think the environment you were in and your surroundings shaped you on all what you do now? 

It shaped me a lot, travelling was the best education I ever got. You meet and see some of the most interesting people when you travel. Culture shock is a blessing in disguise, it makes you worldly to say the least. 

Tia's Talk with Very Talented Toronto Based Singer Stephanie Braganza

Tia's talk

www.insurancerate.com StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-


Where were you born and raised?

I am of Goan heritage but I was born in Kingston, Ontario, then I moved to Toronto in 2003 to take Humber College's Jazz Vocal program. My Dad was born in Nairobi, Kenya; his parents came from Porvorim and

Colvale in Bardez, Goa. My Mom was born in Kampala, Uganda, and her parents came from Marjorda and Vasco in Salcete, Goa. In 1972, my Mother and her parents had to flee Uganda during the "Asian Expulsion" by Idi Amin. They were fortunate that Canada welcomed them as "Ugandan Refugees".

How do you think the environment you were in and your surroundings shaped you on all what you do now?

My Mom listened to a lot of various "oldies" growing up (everything from the Everly Brothers, Skeeter Davis, Connie Francis, Blondie). I found myself singing along at a young age and even trying to sing the harmonies. I actually didn't listen to much radio  until the late 90's. Two huge musical

influences for me growing up were Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. In high school, my Mom introduced me to Ella Fitzgerald and that was when my love for Jazz (and Ella) were born. Going to a Jazz music school not only helped me learn about arranging and writing music, it also, unexpectedly, introduced me to Funk, Rn'B, Dance and House music. These genres all have an influence on my music today.

What led you to realize that you wanted to be a singer?

Tia's talk with Multilingual Singer & Musician Melani Miguel of Toronto

Tia's Talk

Multilingual Singer & Musician Melani Miguel of Toronto

www.insurancerate.com
StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto- 

Where were you born and raised? 
    - I was born in Wellawatte, Colombo, Sri Lanka & raised in a suburban town called Alwis Town, Hendala-Wattale (in Sri Lanka) until the age of 11. In 1983, ensuing the aftermath of the "Black July" riots, during which, my home (along with most of my extended family members' homes) was destroyed by the violence, we moved to one of the boroughs of Colombo City again.  I lived inKollupitiya-Colombo 3, until 1987, at which time, we migrated to Toronto, Canada; where I have lived most of my life, till date.

Video - Tia Virdi of StarBuzz talks to PETR CANCURA , Director - OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-

Tia's talk with Home Grown Talent Krystal Kiran Garib - A singer, dancer, actor, choreographer & writer

Tia's Talk

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-

"As of July 1, 2011, I become the owner and director of the Penticton School of Dance in British Columbia. This is the same school I grew up dancing and receiving my training at since the age of three, studying ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, contemporary and singing. I remember being 16 years old and can remember exactly where I was standing when I said to myself that I would one day run this dance school. It's crazy, that along with my dream of touring and singing with AR, that this came true. These were two of biggest dreams and they both came true within a year of each other. With the new and certified teachers I have coming in to teach at the school, my students can now begin receiving high-school credits towards attaining their high-school diplomas through dance classes. This is something new for our community. I thank Babaji everyday for giving me this opportunity to give back to my hometown and the people who have supported me from the beginning of my career".

Who are you? A dancer, singer or an actor? You do many things. What is most close to you?
  I'm all three. I also love to write, choreograph and direct (be it stage or film).

There are many classical dance forms, but why did you take to Kathak?  
 I started Kathak lessons in India when I was 7. Everytime I went back to India with my family to visit, I would pick it up again. After highschool, I decided to dedicate 6 months to going to India to study the form. After the 6 months were up, I'd realized I'd only barely scratched the surface of this form of art - if that, even. I love the form because of its fierce, rhythmic physical and musical elements, and the fact that it's all story-based on these incredible religious texts. Radha and Krishna are dynamic characters and their stories are beautiful.

Tia's Talk with SHWETA SUBRAM Singer || Performer || Songwriter

Watch for Shweta on March 12 this month. She is performing for Canadian Music Week.

StarBuzz Weekly-

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised for 17 years in the City of Dubai

How do you think the environment you were in and your surroundings shaped for what you do now?

I have been raised in the city of Dubai which is a hub for South Asians. About 85% of the expatriate population is South Asians. I was always surrounded by Indian music and culture. As a kid, my parents got me involved in many different activities such as indian classical music, dancing, painting, swimming. Since I was the only child of my parents, their expectations from me were high and they always wanted me to grow up as a well-rounded person. Also, both my parents' families are involved in music so I always had the support and encouragement to do well in the field of music.

Tia's Talk with Singer/Songwriter, Guitarist and Hip-Hop Dancer Rebecca Nazz

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Pop and dance is what you’ll think of when you first hear this fun spirited bright artist, Rebecca Nazz. Born in Kuwait, but raised in South India and Canada, this young singer/songwriter, guitarist and hip-hop dancer is coming up from the underground in Toronto. Writing and developing her own material she offers a poignant blend of poetic lyrics and thoughtful melodies. Growing up in Canada, she quickly became part of the local music scene.

I had a chance to talk to her.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Kuwait and raised in India (Bangalore/Ooty) and Canada. My family immigrated to Canada in the 90’s following the Gulf War.

Tia's Talk with Deejay Publicity (Manish Sharma)

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto- I had a chance of talking to leading club Deejay Publicity (Manish Sharma). It was an interesting talk.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and rasied in Scarborough, Ontario and did most of schooling here as well other then University which I did at Mcmaster, in Hamilton.

How do you think the environment you were in and your surroundings shaped for what you do now?

I had a great musical influence at home with both my parents and siblings. My parents were huge fans of Folk Punjabi music and classic bollywood songs. Whereas my siblings were always listening to what was popular and new in both urban and south asian music.

What led you to realize that you wanted to be a DJ and a song writer?

I always was fascinated with DJ’s and the ability they had to control the crowd. Even in a young age I was more fascinated with what the DJ was doing in a music video rather than the artist singing.


How do you think you are impacting the south asian community with
your talent and art?

I think by bringing South Asian music to mainstream venues and clubs in Toronto we are making it more of the norm to hear our specific genre in a heavily urban environment. I personally have been a summer resident DJ at 3 of the biggest clubs in Toronto (Guvernment, Sound Academy (Formerly Docks) and Circa Nightclub. In turn being a South Asian DJ is helping promote our culture and heritage and showcase it to the city.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on two mixtapes, while touring Canada. I have done numerous club events in cities all across North America including New York, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Montreal, Vancouver, to name a few. Also I am one of the main DJ’s for North America’s largest party “Bombay Nights” which is held every month at Hard Rock Café.

What do you have in mind for the near future?

The near future has endless possibilities, I am planning to hit Europe and Asia this summer to tour, and have been working with some great artists on my upcoming and highly anticipated ‘Publicity Stunt’ mixtape series. In addition to that I am bringing up some new DJ talent and am getting ready for some new projects that are being started in 2011.

Careerwise what is the one thing that has been very special to you?

For the past 7 years I have been able to tour the continent and move the masses. It is truly the most unique experience to have been able to play alongside some amazing artists and play in some of the biggest cities. I feel fortunate to have toured Canada 3x hitting every major city.

Do you have any particular music project you have wanted to work on or be a part of?

I have always wanted to team up with some artists and DJ’s to make a socially conscience remix and donate the sales from Itunes to an influential non profit organization. If you are interested, let me know!!

Tia's Talk with Om Puri, the veteran actor of Hindi Cinema - Video, A StarBuzz exclusive

Internationally famous and veteran actor of Hindi cinema Om Puri is in Toronto for the TIFF screening of his film "West is West" ("East is East" sequel). His film will be screened on 11th Sept at Toronto International Film Festival. He was also the chief guest at the charitable organization Paravasi Sahayata. Complete interview will be there in our coming issue of StarBuzz by Tia Virdi.

Please do not forget to pick your copy next week to read about him. A man with insight and character. A role model.  
- Tia

Mr Om Puri, the veteran actor of Indian cinema here in Toronto for the screening of his film ‘West is West’ at the Toronto International Film Festival. I got this opportunity of having an exclusive chat with Mr Puri during a party thrown by the Parvasi Group, where he was the chief guest.

Tia's Talk with leading DJ Raoul Juneja (Deejay Ra)

How did you get into this business of disk jockeying? What attracted you towards this?

Interestingly enough, I actually got my start DJ'ing at comedy clubs as many of my friends were comedians and loved the type of underground hip-hop music I used to play for their introductions on-stage. But it was always radio DJ'ing, or more specifically hosting and interviewing that I was most into, as coming from a journalism background I loved how I could help expose audiences to new music or interviews that would intrigue and inspire them in some way. I stayed away from club DJ'ing as I was never really into the mainstream music which people in clubs wanted to hear. I know I'm occasionally confused as a club DJ since I go by 'Deejay Ra', but I hoped by spelling 'Deejay' in its traditional way that people would assume a difference from the regular club 'DJ'.

Tia's Talk with Sonia Ahmed, the "Bold & Beautiful" force behind Pakistani Beauty Pageant.

How did the 8th Miss Pakistan World pageant fair this year?The controversy was a surprise for me as I really was caught in the middle of the floods disaster in Pakistan. Not only that, the fundamentalists were moaning about the fact that it was held in the month of Ramadan, even though we held it after Iftar (breaking of fast). I guess the ideals of religion is very different amongst some Pakistanis as compared to the Middle Easterners, where its considered, “Happy Ramadan,” instead of what some Pakistanis claims it to be, “Holy Ramadan.” The overall pageant was well received in regards to the media, guests and show’s content. I would say it was good!

Is it a business or a mission for you? (why)Miss Pakistan World is not just an event; it is the birth of an industry for Pakistan. This started off as a mission, where I had to make sure that Pakistan’s pageant industry was created and that it kept continuing. But at this very moment it is also a business, as bills have to be paid and the event has expenses. The mission will always remain and that is to show the world that Pakistani women are the most beautiful women in the world as well as role models. The mission for Pakistan will also remain and that is that Pakistani women can do anything she wants to do without being subject to any sort of discrimination, intolerance and hate. The mission for myself will remain too and that is to keep Pakistan’s pageant industry breathing.

What are the challenges that come with leading such an event in a conservative community like Pakistan?Well the majority of the community is made up of pseudo intellectual leaders. These people are very harmful for our well being. These very people have also used the Miss Pakistan World pageant to get some media hype for themselves. These people include Pakistani-Canadian individuals from the politics, media, and just self appointed heads. They don’t want young individuals to come in and take their limelight away, and so just try to target whatever they can to show that they are still leaders. The Miss Pakistan World pageant spoils it for them, as we still do not die off, which they want.

Do you think the Pakistani community will open up to such events in the future?They have no choice but to open up. In fact I know that they have opened up, as they want to attend the pageant, they talk about the pageant, and they acknowledge the pageant. It’s been 8 years and hence there is no choice left to them. This is a democracy, and they have to tolerate and know that whether they like it or not, the Miss Pakistan World pageant exists and will be there forever. If they want democracy in Pakistan for which a lot of people grouped together against President Musharraf, then tolerance is democracy. They have to learn to tolerate, respect, acknowledge and be aware and that is what democracy is. Adding to that, besides the Miss Pakistan World pageant there is a Mrs. Pakistan World pageant for married women of Pakistani decent.

Do you personally believe that such a pageant is important for the upliftment of women? If yes then how so?This is very important for Pakistan and other similar nations where the idea of a woman representing almost anything is intolerable. A beauty pageant may not be very important to a nation like USA, UK, Canada, as women are tolerated in all aspects of society.

Miss Pakistan is a hope of an idea that women can be role models and can represent the community with the balance of both brains and their looks. It uplifts women in general especially those women who have lost hope to ever do something in order to stand on their own feet. The idea of Miss Pakistan World gives them that hope. If one looks at just the small picture and that is a “pageant,” then all they can see is just a pageant. But if one looks at the broader picture and that is representation around the world in terms of a woman then it becomes more meaningful. The pageant industry is designed in such a way that coincides with charity work, helping raise funds, visiting orphanages etc. When those children or elderly see a beauty queen they light up, as compared to seeing a strong headed lawyer.
Just last year about $10,000 dollars were raised for 2 separate charities, one including the Cancer Society of Canada. This year is the beginning and we raised well over 5000 dollars for a School Net Guyana project for schools in Guyana. We do our charity work around the world and whenever we get an opportunity. A female lawyer, doctor, teacher, principal won’t do such things, as they work for a living and they get paid to be doctors and lawyers. On the other hand we are doing it for no cost at all plus this is not our profession. The girl who is Miss Pakistan World is a student, or is working and yet she would take time out to go for events like these, where she is not only represent Pakistan but also help the cause.

How different was the response to your event this year in the wake of the floods?The response was of sympathy towards the pageant, as level headed people understood that the floods took place three weeks prior to the pageant. There was nothing that we could do to postpone the event, as a lot of people’s paychecks depended on this event. The floods took place in Pakistan and as show organizers and artists we made sure that we had some charity aspect associated with the show.
Then the empty vessels of the community are another side to our community where with their high levels of intelligence basically said to postpone the event, without realizing that this could have resulted in a loss for the many people associated with the pageant. It is these people who want to see more loss happen including the loss of the floods.

Red Cross was invited to the 8th Miss Pakistan World pageant this year, to raise funds and awareness about the floods in Pakistan. How successful was the fundraising aspect of the pageant?Red Cross did a good job, and the fundraising was successful. If we had more time and support we could have done a better job. But there was a lot of negativity that we had to combat in order to even have Red Cross come at our event.

What kind of headway have you made with this event after 8 years, and where do you see it going?I am successful now, and more so invincible. If an event like Miss Pakistan World could go off in a time like this, then this show will be the best in the world one day. Sky is the limits! I am determined and there is no one who can influence me or deter my intentions.
I also want to thank the sponsors who were mainly Pakistanis as well. Without their support this event would not have happened. The show must and will go on! We will be going to India, Turkey, China, Malaysia, Dubai and maybe Guyana to spread the word of who we are and how Pakistanis really are.

-Tia Virdi for StarBuzz weekly, Toronto
A StarBuzz exclusive

Tia Talks to OM PURI - A StarBuzz Exclusive

Mr Om Puri, the veteran actor of Indian cinema here in Toronto for the screening of his film ‘West is West’ at the Toronto International Film Festival. I got this opportunity of having an exclusive chat with Mr Puri during a party thrown by the Parvasi Group, where he was the chief guest.

How do you like Toronto?


I love Toronto and I love Canada. I travel here a lot. I shot Sam & Me and Kismet Konnection here. I come here for the festival also. I even go to Montreal, but my favorite city is Vancouver.

How do you feel the response would be for your film West is West, screening at the TIFF?

I am sure people will like West is West. It’s a human story about relationships. It’s a story of sacrifice and tolerance that would speak to everyone.

Apart from working in Hindi cinema, you have extensive experience in American and British cinema as well. How do you compare them?

Broadly speaking, the difference is in the west the budgets are much higher, fancier equipment and people are more disciplined. Back home things are changing as well. They have started introducing newer equipment and started improving the quality of films. Still, the west has more resources. However, I don’t have a preference. Wherever I can find good work I try to be a part of it.

In your career, quite often you pick challenging and unconventional roles and you have delivered high impact performances. What do you have to say about that.

I try. I want to be known as a versatile actor. That is why I keep try different things. I have done everything, comedies, serious, satires or dark roles. I am a trained actor. I have studied drama for 3 years and went to film school for two years.

Any project that has been close to your heart or special.

Many. I enjoyed Satya, City of Joy & My son the Fanatic. There are many more. Out of the 250 that I have done 50 must be dear to me.

Any particular artist you have enjoyed working with or someone/or project you want to be a part of that you haven’t had the opportunity for yet?

I enjoyed working with Govind Nihalani. I try not to keep a craving for anything. There is no point. It doesn’t help me. I don’t want to be imagining working with Speilberg, obviously it won’t happen.

Anything you would like to say to your Torontonian audience?

Well, I would ask them to support good causes. Whether its films, or social causes. I would specially ask the youth to do so. Keep your dignity intact. They should also remember they have come to someone else’s house. You must intermingle and respect each other’s culture. Learn to respect others, you will receive the same respect. If you want to be appreciated you should learn to appreciate others.

Tia Virdi

-StarBuzz weekly, Toronto

-Pic by Irfan Ali

Tia's Talk with Nandita Das – Actor, Activist & now a Film Director- A STARBUZZ exclusive

Nandita Das – An exclusive chat with Tia Virdi of StarBuzz

“I was never excited with the typical Bollywood heroine image. This may have been because I didn’t grow up watching mainstream films. It’s like telling a vegetarian that this beef steak is really great, and it wouldn’t matter. It won’t tempt you because you are a vegetarian. So all the money and fame doesn’t tempt me, and I’m a vegetarian in that sense.”

Nandita Das was visiting Toronto for the retrospective of her films during the South Asian Festival Mehandi Masala Masti at the Queen Elisabeth Theatre at CNE grounds. Critically acclaimed actress and social activist, Nandita Das shot to international fame with her

controversial role in Deepa Mehta’s movie Fire. Other films that were shown during the festival were, Earth, Maati May, Shubho Mahurat, Bawander, Hari Bhari, Amal. StarBuzz had an exclusive meeting with one of the most talented actresses of our times.

Nandita comes across as a person of a lot of substance and very articulate and clear in her thought and action, a person with a solid purpose in life.

What inspired you to join films?

This is a long and very old story. I did my masters in Social Work and I was working with NGOs. It was completely by accident that I met Deepa Mehta. And one thing led to another. Acting till today is more like an interest, which is the reason I still live in Delhi and not in Mumbai the hub of Bollywood film industry. I also do films in different languages, because there are stories and talent in other parts and not just the big cities.

What language movies have you done so far?

I have done 10 languages, including Bengali and Marathi and I have done 30 films.

Is there a film close to your heart?

I would say not yet. I mean there are many that are close to my heart. But in terms of an absolute favorite project, it’s still yet to come.

Your father, Jatin Das, is a renowned artist of India. Do you think that the artistic environment at home played a role in your decision to go into acting?

I think it did help. Films are a collaborative art, like visual and performing art mixing together. So I think growing up in an environment where I watched dance and music performances, watched theatre and went to exhibitions from a very early age, probably created an aesthetic and artistic sensibility, that has been with me in person and also in the choices I have made. I hardly ever watched any movies when I was younger with my parents, so cinema never really played a big role in my formative years.

As a social activist, what are your future endeavors?

An activist is a much bigger term, even though I am called an actor activist. But both things I don’t really do full time. I do it more as a concerned citizen. I am doing much more advocacy work. Before I started acting I used to do more grassroots level work. I take

issues to people, whether it’s a talk at university, workshops, with students or teachers. I have been to MIT and Cornell.. I am not with one particular body but I support a lot of genuine bodies. I hesitate to name any because I don’t want to leave any out. I would like NRIs to be more involved by engaging in social projects in India.

Do you ever think of breaking into the commercial film scene?

If I wanted to I could have done it a long time ago. There were many offers after Fire. I was never excited with the typical Bollywood heroine image. This may have been because I didn’t grow up watching mainstream films. Its like telling a vegetarian that this beef steak is really great, and it wouldn’t matter. It won’t tempt you because you are a vegetarian. So all the money and fame doesn’t tempt me, and I’m a vegetarian in that sense.

What are your future plans?

I have just directed my own film. Its’ called Firaaq. “Firaaq” means separation and quest. The film is about how violence impacts human relationships, especially communal violence, how it has divided people and how separation develops in our minds and in hearts. It is based in India, it’s a multiple story. The cast includes, Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Raval, Raghubir Yadav, Deepti Naval and Sanjay Suri. It will hopefully release by October.

What do you like about Toronto?

I think it s a very friendly city, there is something very genuine about it. There is a warmth that people exude. It’s a cosmopolitan city and a nice melting pot. Which is good because it makes you more open and less prejudiced.

-Tia Virdi

-Pictures by Ben Girn