Nandita Das

Social Advocacy

Before I even knew words like feminism and secularism, I'm glad that my childhood was innately liberal and inclusive.

Doing a Master's degree in Social Work may not necessarily make you a better social worker but it exposes you to various realities and issues. After my education, I joined an NGO called Ankur, where I worked with young girls in the slums of Delhi. And then it was Alarippu, which made learning and teaching fun for underprivileged schools. The more absorbed I was in my work, the more my privileges began to stare at me in the face. All I knew is that this is what I wanted to do.

In 1995, I stumbled upon acting and from there on, the way I engaged with social issues changed. Films gave me the opportunity to share my concerns, shed light on worthy initiatives and engage with decision makers and grassroots community workers alike. Through this journey I’ve met so many inspiring people who have helped me grow. I continue to be a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, social justice, issues of human rights, gender, LGBTQIA+, disability, HIV/ AIDS and environment. I have spoken about these issues at various forums, educational institutions, summits, events and have also written about them for various publications. I take on any opportunity to share and communicate my concerns. I know it is a drop in the ocean, but I hope every drop counts.

Featured Talks
May 2022
Publicis Sapient India

Break the Bias- A Diversity Equity Inclusion Conference

May 2021
Showsha

Lessons learned from Motherhood

Dec 2020
EdelGive Foundation event

Who’s voice is it anyway? Building for the gender narrative

Nov 2020
Should Art - G5A, Conversation with Nalini Malani

Can Art break the silence?

Nov 2020
FICCI Ladies Organisation, Hyderabad

An unequal world- the uncomfortable truth about discrimination

Sep 2020
Radiant Wellness eConclave

Emotional Wellness is the new norm

July 2020
The Outlier, Outlook Magazine

Future of films, Women Directors and Speaking out

June 2020
From the Other Side with Raga D’silva

Fire to Freedom

June 2020
Born Free and Equal on Hubhopper

The Right To No Discrimination (caste)

May 2020
Bangalore International Center

Behind the Camera: Nandita Das on being a female Director

June 2019
TEDxShivNadarUniversity

A Mother’s Journey With Anger

Oct 2018
TEDxStXaviersMumbai

Can Art Change India?

Oct 2018
LinkedIn with Anupama Chopra

Women at Work

May 2016
TEDxWalledCity

The Biggest Hypocrisy of our times: Our Attitude to Poverty

Apr 2014
Hunter College Human Rights Programme, New York, USA

Film and social work

Mar 2014
World Bank, Washington, USA

Changing minds and mindsets- Social Inclusion through Arts

Feb 2014
Sansad TV

Guftagoo with Nandita Das

Apr 2010
IGNOU, India

Identity and the Notion of the Other

Virata Parvam

2022

Director: Udugula Venu

Language: Telugu

Character Name: Shakuntala

Key Cast: Kundan Alexzed, Chakrapani Ananda, Banerjee

Feastivals and Awards: NA

Film Stills: 9

BTS: 11