Alaka Sahani
Alaka Sahani is a Senior Editor with The Indian Express, Mumbai. She received the National Film Award for Best Film Critic, 2013. Her Swarna Kamal citation states that the jury recommended her for the award for “highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip by delving deeper into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers”. In her articles and interviews, she goes beyond the tried-and-tested templates to offer insights into the workings of Indian cinema. Her choice of subjects is eclectic: from A-listers to emerging talents; the history of Indian cinema and its various trends; many strands of contemporary India and world cinema. While watching movies has been her lifelong passion, she also closely follows theatre in Mumbai.
Articles By Alaka Sahani
‘I start my stories at the climax’: Super Deluxe director Thiagarajan Kumararaja
Filmmaker Thiagarajan Kumararaja on writing his movies entirely as third acts and how music influences his work
Count Your Blessings
Keeping the lights on and with the audience seated in a circle, the interactive play, Every Brilliant Thing delves into the subject of depression while maintaining a feel-good tone
‘I don’t have a long resumé but I’m proud of the work I have done’
Shefali Shah, 46, who leads the Netflix series Delhi Crime, on playing a cop, her work as a TV actor and why she prefers impactful roles, irrespective of length.
For public viewing: ‘Omit shots of Nimmi resting head on breast of Raj Kapoor, amorous gestures’
Now released: Censor board’s orders to filmmakers in early days of Indian cinema
Madhuri Dixit: I always wished for movies to be progressive for women
Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit Nene on her debut as a film producer with August 15, balancing different acts and why everyone should vote.
I haven’t jumped at every offer that has come to me: Gulshan Devaiah
Gulshan Devaiah, basking in the praise for his double role in Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, on his journey so far, and why he wants to do mainstream as well as off-beat films.
Ghosts of politics present: Anik Dutta on Bhooter Bhabishyat, Bhobishyoter Bhoot and the future
As Anik Dutta awaits his latest movie Bhobishyoter Bhoot’s return to Kolkata theatres, he talks about his most political work yet.
Filmmaker Gulzar on how he almost came to work with Satyajit Ray
Gulzar on Satyajit Ray’s Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, which turns 50 in May, and how he almost came to work with him.
How Satyajit Ray’s film on two tone-deaf musicians became a timeless classic
It’s a film that almost got shelved, yet Satyajit Ray’s Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, which turns 50 in May, is a classic whose message of hope and goodwill continues to enthrall audiences.
Writing allows me to live a lot of characters: Sujoy Ghosh
Writer-director Sujoy Ghosh on his next, Badla, why he leans towards thrillers, and being influenced by Satyajit Ray.
Oscars 2019: Cutting it short
Editors, cinematographers and directors from the Indian film industry on the recent decision by The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences to not televise four technical categories.
Gully Boy director Zoya Akhtar: My privilege is the opportunity and freedom I was given
Director-writer Zoya Akhtar on Gully Boy, if gender matters behind the camera and what changed with the launch of her production house.
Sonam Kapoor: I do a film only if I believe that it is truly progressive and liberal
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja talks about the philosophy that guides her choice of movies, the stories she wants to tell and her idea of perfect love.
Bhumi Pednekar: On screen, I love celebrating my flaws
Actor Bhumi Pednekar talks about her intense preparation for Sonchiriya and having the option of cherry-picking her projects.
A Cut Above the Rest
In Mumbai recently, the team of Japanese film One Cut from the Dead spoke of how their low-budget project became a surprise top-grosser
It’s a balancing act to retain the Jewish ethos in a multicultural country like India: Esther David
Esther David’s new book pieces together a picture of the Bene Israel community, with all its idiosyncrasies.
The state today is hostile to dissent…But we must not surrender the space that remains: Sunil Shanbag
Theatre-maker Sunil Shanbag, 62, on reimagining Prithviraj Kapoor for the contemporary times, and why it is important to make history inclusive.
Man with the Punch Lines
Writer-actor Kader Khan was a versatile talent who influenced the narrative of Hindi cinema in the ’80s and ’90s
Take a Bow
Theatre festival, Thespo, just turned 20 and is aiming to build a global community of theatre enthusiasts.
#MeToo: The Road Ahead
The conversation started by #MeToo in Bollywood and the impact of digital entertainment will continue well into the coming year.
