Actress Chhaya Kadam, known for her role in ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ took a moment to address critics after her impromptu dance on the renowned red carpet at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. In a heartfelt interview with PTI, Chhaya revealed her emotions and the story behind that exuberant moment of celebration.
As Chhaya reminisced about her experience, she mentioned that her dance was sparked by an overwhelming sense of joy. The actress spoke about how someone from Mumbai had joked with her about the lively dance, suggesting it looked like she was dancing in her own courtyard. Chhaya’s spirited response was simply, “Kyun nahin (Why not)?” Her candid reaction encapsulated the joy and pride she felt in being part of such a monumental occasion. “To be part of the main competition after 30 years is a huge achievement, and we also won an award. Why follow protocol? Hum apni khushi aise hi dikhaate hain, kood kood kar (That’s how we express our joy, by breaking into a dance),” she shared passionately.
The Cannes Film Festival, an annual event held in the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera, is a platform where filmmakers from around the world showcase their work. With ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ directed by Payal Kapadia, making it to the main competition, it was a significant achievement for Indian cinema. Not only was it the first Indian film in three decades to compete for the Palme d’Or, but it also secured the jury prize or the Grand Prix, marking another historic milestone for Indian films at Cannes. While the film ‘Anora’ clinched the Palme d’Or, ‘All We Imagine As Light’ won acclaim and left an indelible mark.
The impromptu dance was led by director Payal Kapadia, Chhaya Kadam, along with her co-stars Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha. What began as a spontaneous expression of happiness soon turned into a memorable spectacle on the red carpet. Chhaya humorously recounted how even the photographers joined in on their celebratory spirit, egging them to continue dancing when they tried to stand still for pictures. “There was just so much happiness around. The sign that the film would win big at the festival was apparent,” she noted.
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Chhaya vividly described the scene as she stepped out of her car for the film’s premiere, hearing the Marathi song “Gulabi Saree” playing. It was in that moment, surrounded by a symphony of flashbulbs and the echo of appreciative applause, that the spontaneous dance erupted, capturing the essence of their emotion and excitement. The dance wasn’t just an act of celebration but also a testament to the unity and spirit of the team behind ‘All We Imagine As Light.’
Payal Kapadia, during the film festival’s closing night, gracefully accepted the prestigious jury prize. Clad in gratitude, she called her lead cast, Chhaya Kadam, Kani Kusruti, and Divya Prabha, to join her on stage. In her acceptance speech, Kapadia thanked her entire team, remarking that “It really takes a village,” acknowledging the collective effort that went into creating the film.
‘All We Imagine As Light’ has since become more than just a film; it stands as a beacon of what Indian cinema can achieve on the global stage. The film delves into deep themes and brings forth narratives that resonate universally while maintaining a unique cultural touchstone, something that undoubtedly contributed to its acclaim at Cannes.
The reactions to the red carpet dance have been mixed, with some lauding the team for their uninhibited celebration and others questioning the breaking of traditional protocol. However, Chhaya Kadam’s spirited defense of their actions speaks volumes about the joy and pride they felt at that moment. Her message is clear: when you achieve something truly momentous, why not celebrate it with all your heart?
As the festival attendees and film critics continue to discuss and dissect this year’s entries and winners, the joy and vitality expressed by the ‘All We Imagine As Light’ team will be remembered as a highlight. Their story serves as a reminder of the unifying power of cinema and the genuine human moments that make film festivals like Cannes so special.
In conclusion, Chhaya Kadam’s dance on the Cannes red carpet was more than just a dance. It was a jubilant expression of pride, cultural celebration, and an emblem of Indian cinema’s rising stature on the world stage. “Kyun nahin?” indeed, sums up not just their spontaneous celebration, but also serves as an inspiration for all to embrace joy and authenticity in moments of achievement.
