Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on Women in Cinema, Creative Excellence, and the Global Rise of Indian Film Industry

At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan graced the red carpet with her presence, dazzling in a Valentino ensemble. However, her appearance was just one aspect of her contributions to the cinematic world. As an actress, Aishwarya’s journey has been defined by her dedication to meaningful roles and an unwavering commitment to her craft, as highlighted in her recent work, PS-2.

During her time at Cannes, Aishwarya opened up about the evolving role of women in the film industry, the importance of creative integrity, and the significance of Indian cinema on the global stage. Her reflections were insightful, touching on various facets of filmmaking that often go unnoticed by the audience.

Women in Cinema: Contributing Strongly to the Industry

Aishwarya spoke passionately about the growing recognition of women’s roles in cinema. “We belong, we exist, and we make our mark,” she said, emphasizing that women contribute significantly across all aspects of filmmaking. “It’s about shining a light where it deserves to be,” she continued, applauding initiatives like L’Oréal’s Lights on Women Award for creating a more equitable space for women in the industry.

She stressed the importance of initiatives like these in fostering an environment where women’s work is recognized and celebrated, noting that L’Oréal’s collaboration with the Cannes Film Festival for over 26 years has created a powerful platform for female talent. “It’s about being feminine and feminist,” Aishwarya added, underscoring the importance of both supporting women and celebrating their contributions to the film world.

The Magic of Working with Visionary Directors

Aishwarya also shared her admiration for directors who have a unique vision and commitment to their craft, citing her work with director Mani Ratnam on PS-2 as an example. Aishwarya revealed the challenges she faced while learning her Tamil dialogue for the film, describing how she would constantly refer to her notebook to ensure her dialogue delivery was accurate. Despite not being a native Tamil speaker, Aishwarya’s dedication to her craft was evident as she quickly absorbed and performed complex lines in a language that was foreign to her.

She acknowledged that working with visionary directors like Mani Ratnam allows her to be part of a creative process that is both satisfying and rewarding. “Cinema is made for the audience,” she noted, adding that the most beautiful part of filmmaking is when a project resonates with both the team and the audience, leaving a lasting impression.

Indian Cinema’s Global Recognition

Aishwarya spoke about the recent global recognition of Indian cinema, particularly with the success of RRR and The Elephant Whisperers at the Oscars. She expressed pride in the growing recognition of Indian talent and noted that this was a moment to celebrate, not to overanalyze. “It’s about the reaction and the response we evoke,” she said, explaining that the joy lies in the shared experience between filmmakers and their audiences.

Indian cinema’s journey to global acclaim is a testament to the power of creativity, Aishwarya believes. “It’s about a new beginning,” she said, emphasizing that the industry’s future lies in creating original moments rather than repeating past successes. The continuous evolution of Indian cinema is what makes it magical, offering new experiences for both filmmakers and viewers alike.

Balancing the Business and Artistic Aspects of Cinema

Aishwarya also touched on the business side of the film industry, recognizing that while cinema is a creative pursuit, it is also a business. “This is an industry, a very strong and powerful industry,” she explained. She acknowledged the challenges that arise when financial and time constraints affect the final product but emphasized that the resilience of filmmakers and their dedication to their craft often result in outstanding work despite these challenges.

Aishwarya’s Personal Reflection on Cinema and Legacy

Beyond her professional work, Aishwarya also shared a personal insight into her relationship with cinema and her legacy. Reflecting on her daughter, Aaradhya, accompanying her to Cannes, she fondly recalled the experience of seeing the world of cinema through her daughter’s eyes. “It’s about just being together,” she said, noting that Aaradhya, like herself, is a people person who enjoys the vibe of the festival.

Looking back at her own career, Aishwarya reflected on the magic of cinema that has kept her engaged for over two decades. “It’s always a new beginning,” she said, sharing her belief that the wonderment and curiosity that come with exploring new creative challenges are what make the film industry so enduringly exciting.

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