Written, directed, and produced by Nandita Das in India in 2022, the film ‘Zwigato’ was world premiered at 47th Toronto International Film Festival. Before the movie premiere, it was on the Red Carpet at TIFF Light Box, Toronto that Nandita Das and Kapil Sharma made their appearances. Asha Bajaj from IBNS-TWF had a chance to discuss with both of them their different roles and contributions to the movie.
Following is the extract of the interview::
Asha to Nandita: What motivated you to write, direct and produce the film?
Nothing is by design. I could see unemployment and poverty all around me and a lot of anxiety about unemployment and I wanted to express my concerns. When Covid hit us with the lockdown we were all exposed to new realities. After a lot of explorations, I was struck with the idea of making a film about a food delivery rider and his family. We were becoming more and more dependent on the services provided by gig workers. But then the contact deliveries stopped due to the Covid and lockdown, we could not see them. Through this film, I wanted to evoke empathy for the characters by exploring their lives.
What is the significance of the movie’s title Zwigato?
Zwigato is a food delivery app and the film is about the food delivery ride. The film is a reflection of new India and the world ratings, hollow incentives, workers’ rights, and algorithms. There is a lot of anxiety about unemployment.
What led you to select Kapil Sharma as the lead character of the film?
Kapil Sharma is just a natural person. Although I had not seen his shows. But from the snippets, I was appealed by his honesty, and simplicity and thought he was perfect for the character I had been writing. I reached out to him on an impulse, and his prompt response was followed by many interactions and rehearsals which convinced me that he would perfectly represent the common man, although in reality, he is not a common man.
What did you want to explore through the character of Kapil Sharma’s wife played by Pratima?
Through exploration of her life I wanted to convey how women react to emerging situations in life, in this story for her desire and decision to work for the first time in her life, Even though her husband disapproved of it, she follows her path. It is through her fears of the unknown and her experience in exploring the world as she gains a sense of identity that I want to explore women’s rights.
What message does this film relay?
We need to see people live comfortably in our world. They provide us with services for our convenience. They are all around us but we do not even look at them. I wanted to make them visible and make us aware of their struggles, their aspirations, and their fears, as well as their joys. By making this film I wanted to create a sense of empathy, most needed by the world at present, and teach us to coexist peacefully and in a just way.
Asha to Kapil Sharma: You are a renowned stand-up comedian, and producer of television shows. What were your reactions when you were asked to be the lead actor in the film?
Yes, although difficult, people love me as a comedian. The whole credit for this goes to Nandita, my director. I never in my life thought that I would be asked to act in her film. When she approached me I at once said Yes. I knew I was in good hands and agreed to do whatever she asks me to.
Are there any other movies that you had acted in previously? If so, did you have a lead role in any of those?
I have acted in a couple of films before including ‘Kiskis Ko Pyar Karun.’ But this is the first movie in which I have the lead role.
#TIFF22, #Zwigato; #NanditaDas; #KapilSharma
