Actress Chhaya Kadam recounts her experience at Cannes film festival
Actress Chhaya Kadam recounts her experience at Cannes film festival
Actress Chhaya Kadam
recounted her experience at Cannes film festival
where Payal Kapadia’s directorial “All We Imagine As Light” bagged this year’s coveted Grand Prix prize, the second highest honour after Palme d’Or.
Marathi actor Chhaya Kadam, a mill workers daughter embarked on her professional journey with a lot of struggle to make into films and to be part of “All We Imagine as Light” that won a major award at Cannes, the first time in 70 years.
In the midst of an interview segment held on the sidelines of the 54th anniversary of Balgandharva Theatre in Pune on Wednesday.the actress articulated that she wasn’t anticipating this outcome, but she was really happy that after 30 years, an Indian film was screened at Cannes.
For Chhaya Kadam, it was an out-of-the-world feeling seeing people on both sides of the red carpet, peering into the car mirror and leaning down. She was much nervous about it, but when she heard the Marathi song ‘Gulabi Saree,’ she instantly felt comforted.
Coming to her role in the film. Kadam recalled that there are three women in All We Imagine As Light and are typically portrayed as being at odds with one another. But in this one, the focus is on three distinct women and their friendship.
She also went on to elaborate about her theatre life and her stage debut Zulva in 2007, which opened doors to several theatrical roles.
However, Chhaya Kadam’s entry into films was not a bed of roses. Her first Marathi film Baimanus, was shelved, but went on to act in Baboo Band Baaja and Aayna Ka Bayna.
Notedly, her cinematic breakthrough came with Nagraj Manjule’s Fandry for she garneres widespread recognition across Maharashtra and also had powerful roles in films like Sairat, Nude and Redu.
Chhaya also forayed into Hindi cinema, delivering memorable performances in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Andhadhun.
She is popular for nailing roles above her age, particularly the Rashmibai she essayed in Gangubai Kathiawadi noted for its depth and intensity.
Recounting her experience with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Kadam mentioned, that she has always played non-glamorous roles and seeing lavish sets and pretty actresses around was new to her.
For Chhaya, the year 2024 has been an exceptional year as she received critical acclaim for her roles in Laapata Ladies and Madgaon Express.
As per Kadam, playing an empowering female supporting character in Laapata Ladies, Nude and other films “have made her what she is today.”
She further said that working with female directors such as Kiran Rao and Payal Kapadia always give a sense of empowerment and comfort, as it is easy to share problems with them.
Chhaya’s journey to Cannes is not just about professional success but also personal triumphs. Reflecting on her early struggles, she recalled the occasions when she would set out for shoots only to be told they were cancelled upon reaching the studio. These moments of disappointment, however, fuelled her determination to play any role assigned to her.
In her childhood, she used to visit Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow just for a glimpse of him. Playing his wife’s role, following great actresses like Rekha and Jaya, felt unbelievable.
News Edit K.V.Raman
