Mumbai: Anju Bhatt, the producer of approximately 30 web series, films, and shows on platforms like Mask TV and OTT, created a significant impact with her Hinduism-themed film at the Amodini International Film Festival. During her panel discussion, she spoke about the influence of religion on Indian cinema and presented a thought-provoking narrative.
Anju Bhatt, known for her proficiency in Sanskrit, philosophy, German, Urdu, and English, showcased her poetry in Hindi, Urdu shayari, and Sanskrit shlokas. Through her presentation, she aimed to convey that the interplay between religion and cinema has given rise to a powerful narrative on the cinema screen.
Discussing her film, which revolves around Hinduism and the city of Ayodhya, Bhatt highlighted the enthusiasm of audiences from both religions towards the content. She advised against making judgments about the content solely based on bias and encouraged a more open-minded approach.
Anju Bhatt’s attempt to rise above biases and contribute to the discourse on Hinduism was not only seen in her role as a writer and director but also as a producer for Mask TV and OTT platforms. Remembering her achievements as the president of the Maharani College Student Union in Jaipur, where she also earned a gold medal in B.A. and M.A., she emphasized the need to use women’s characters and roles in cinema not just as tools but as symbols of empowerment.
Praising those who take pride in Hinduism, she dedicated the film to individuals who have dedicated their lives in various ways to the defense and promotion of their religion. Concluding the discussion, director Karan Rajdan and all the contributors, including musicians, lyricists, and actors, were congratulated with a self-composed verse:
“Kad ka bauna hai samajhta hai Sikandar khud ko, Ek qatra hai samajhta hai samundar khud ko. Apni duniyavi khwahishon se jo farigh na hua, Ek junooni hai samajhta hai kalander khud ko!”
