Telling Our Stories

Sometime ago I heard an interview that Mira Nair gave at Harvard. It moved me deeply. Both her candid way in which she spoke and her implicit ownership of her intelligence and originality. She demonstrated the power of great interviews - the ability to reach and inspire younger women and men all over the world.

She asked two very pertinent questions which has inspired me in much of my artistic work and in my life:

(a) If we don't tell our stories then who will?

(b) How do you create something out of nothing?

These questions were all the more important as they were asked by a non-monoculturalist - ie someone who has worked and lived in not just one country or system. This question was asked by a multiculturalist - someone who has homes in three very different countries - India, New York and Uganda and is able to draw inspirations across continents and generations. And then look for universal theme and values that connect people.

Some Bollywood types have accused her from selling the exotic India. Pot calling the kettle black. Mira is anything but exotic. She is authentic. She knows how to view universal problems and dilemmas through the eyes of an Indian culture. And tells universal tales through the Indian lens. This requires a great level of intelligence, sophistication and artistry. And the ability to truly assimilate multiple cultures and identities in a way that has broad appeal.