Asserting that creativity is the only virtue at the film festival, The Shameless actor Mita Vashisht celebrates desi offerings being showcased abroad
In an auditorium filled with cinephiles eagerly awaiting the screening of her latest film, Mita Vashisht basks in the glory of a career milestone—her performance in “The Shameless” is being showcased at the illustrious 77th Cannes Film Festival. This coveted opportunity, as she reveals, almost eluded her. Vashisht was a “last-minute addition” to the cast of this poignant drama that dives deep into the lives of two young women striving to escape the harrowing chains of sex work.
“Whatever is meant for you, will find you,” says Vashisht, reflecting on her unexpected yet fortunate path to this project. Directed by the acclaimed Bulgarian filmmaker Konstantin Bojanov, “The Shameless” sees Vashisht embodying a critical role—the matriarch in this heart-wrenching narrative. “I came on board just two days before the shooting commenced because the director wasn’t satisfied with the earlier casting choice for my character,” she recalls. After a virtual meeting, Bojanov, convinced by Vashisht’s strong identity, brought her into the fold. Despite the role being brief, its significance to the storyline was irrefutable.
Interestingly, Vashisht initially had reservations about Bojanov’s script. She narrates, “I told him that the essence of the character he envisioned wasn’t quite captured in the script. I even pointed out that the character lacked a name, referred to only as ‘the grandmother,’ which left me unsure of her identity and depth.” Far from being deterred, Bojanov embraced her suggestions, promising to rework the script to better integrate her character with the rest. This collaborative effort marked the beginning of her journey with the film.
Joining Vashisht on screen are talents like Anasuya Sengupta and Omara Shetty, whose performances have earned the film a standing ovation at its Cannes premiere. Amidst this celebration, there is a broader reason for cheer as multiple Indian films, including Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” and Shyam Benegal’s 1969 classic “Manthan,” receive recognition at this international platform. For Vashisht, this marks a hopeful shift. “The Cannes Film Festival is a sanctuary for artistic craft and vision,” she emphasizes. “It’s not a venue to flaunt box-office success.
. It’s heartening to see so many Indian films here, signaling that our creators are moving beyond commercial metrics.”
The inclusion of these diverse Indian narratives at a festival esteemed for its critical acclaim reaffirms the importance of storytelling that transcends mere financial success. Vashisht is optimistic that the global spotlight will help these impactful narratives earn the respect they deserve. “Indians are making films that resonate on a deeper level, fulfilling the need for substantial narrations over just market-driven content,” she adds.
In “The Shameless,” the portrayal of the grandmother figure by Vashisht is central to the narrative’s emotional core. Despite the character’s limited screen time, her presence looms large, bridging generational and cultural divides that form the crux of the story. This role, albeit brief, has challenged Vashisht to bring a depth and gravitas that only seasoned actors can achieve.
During the Cannes Festival, Vashisht found herself surrounded by an eclectic mix of filmmakers and artists from around the world, all united by their love for cinema. “Being here is a testament to the global nature of storytelling,” she states. “It’s a melting pot of cultures, each bringing their unique voice and perspective. The experience is not just about the films being showcased but also about the conversations and collaborations that happen behind the scenes.”
As the festival progresses, the euphoric response to “The Shameless” continues to ripple through the corridors of the iconic Palais des Festivals. The film’s critical reception is a testament to Bojanov’s vision and the collaborative spirit of the cast and crew. Vashisht stands firm in her belief that films like “The Shameless” have a role far beyond entertainment—they are vehicles for change, empathy, and understanding.
In closing, Vashisht reflects on the broader implications of this success, not just for her career but for Indian cinema as a whole. “This festival has shown us that there’s a place for our stories on the world stage,” she declares. “It’s a reminder that creativity and authenticity will always find their audience, no matter where they come from.”
