My writings reflect my understanding of women: Sujoy Ghosh

Writer-director Sujoy Ghosh is ready with the sequel of his National award-winning film Kahaani. He talks about being anxious about Kahaani 2, Vidya Balan and his mothers.

Writer-director Sujoy Ghosh is ready with the sequel of his National award-winning film Kahaani (2012). In his sixth film as director, Sujoy has once again cast his muse, Vidya Balan. Anxious about his film and glad about his friendship with the actor, Sujoy explains about his process of creating women-centric stories.

Writer-director Sujoy Ghosh is ready with the sequel of his National award-winning film Kahaani. He talks about being anxious about Kahaani 2, Vidya Balan and his mothers. (HT Photo)

With Kahaani 2’s release being around the corner, how does it make you feel?

I am feeling a bit scared. Prior to the release, there are many other things that you (film-maker) are doing and once the film releases, the feeling is similar to how a child grows up and leaves home. If it’s a good film, people will appreciate it.

For Kahaani 2, I would say it’s in the same genre of Kahaani. It took us so long to find the right story to make another film with the Kahaani stamp. The first film was an audience property as it doesn’t belong to me or Vidya.

Kahaani’s success did wonders for Vidya’s career. How did it work for you?

Kahaani did nothing for me. But it gave happiness to my mother who felt her son was finally doing something. My family’s happiness means a lot as when I am working on a film, they suffer a lot as they put up with me and my work timings. So, it’s great when they get a chance to celebrate.

In an interview, Vidya said she appreciates the way you understand women and your characters aren’t gender stereotypes.

I was fortunate to be brought up by two mothers (birth mother and foster mother) and they are incredibly strong people who have struggle and fight it out in life. They have inculcated in me to respect other women and see them as individuals. They do everything that any human being can do, so it reflects in my stories. I don’t consciously make women equal to men but I think my writings reflect my understanding of women. I didn’t notice this till Vidya pointed out.