Journalism of Courage
Sonam Nair talks about how her teenage years inspired her first film.
Three years ago,when I sat down to write a story,which I would eventually make into a film,I wondered what the topic should be. I was certain about one thing it will be based on a certain aspect of my life. When I pondered over it,I realised my pre-teen and teenage years were most interesting. Also,writing light stuff came naturally.
When I began writing Gippi,the most important thing was to shed all my inhibitions,dive into my life and bring out the best and the most memorable anecdotes. I did not want to try and appear cool because I knew that none of us had cool teenage years. I even borrowed the characters and characteristics from people around me. Teenage years were also about sharing those little secrets with your close friends. My best friend,Aanchal,and I used to have these talks with a few sexual connotations.
When I was growing up,the most embarrassing aspects of my life were when my mother often declared my growing up in front of others. There were times when we would be in a gathering and my mum would look at me and loudly shout,Kahin tere periods toh nahin start huye (Havent your periods started?),and I would want to bury my face somewhere. There was also a time when we were seated with a few friends and she looked at me and said,I think tujhe bra ki zaroorat hai! (I think you need a bra!). Anecdotes like these and many more have made it to my film.
Sonam Nair is a filmmaker.
