Day 3 at Jagran Film Festival: Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharad Kelkar, Shruti Mahajan, and more inspire fans with empowering conversations

Day 3 of the 12th Jagran Film Festival was nothing short of spectacular, bringing together a lineup of accomplished actors, directors, and industry professionals for a day filled with insightful dialogues, personal anecdotes, and empowering messages. With a strong focus on the craft of acting, the evolving dynamics between directors and performers, and a special tribute to International Women’s Day, the day captured the true essence of cinema’s power to inspire and connect. The vibrant crowd at Fun Cinemas, Andheri West, was treated to enriching conversations that celebrated both the art and the artists behind the scenes of the film industry.

One of the key highlights of Day 3 was the engaging session featuring Kumud Mishra, Gopal Datt, Saurabh Sachdeva, and Shubhrajyoti Bharat, who explored the unique relationship between actors and directors. The discussion shed light on the importance of understanding the actor’s process, with Saurabh Sachdeva emphasizing the need for directors to strike a balance between giving too much and too little direction. He noted that every actor brings a unique approach, and a director’s adaptability is key to unlocking an actor’s potential. Shubhrajyoti Bharat contrasted the dynamics of theatre and film, suggesting that while theatre relies heavily on the actor, films are more collaborative and director-driven, where both the actor and director share equal creative control. For Sachdeva, acting is all about “living in the moment,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with the audience. This thought-provoking dialogue offered valuable insights into the changing role of actors and directors in the world of cinema.

Next up was Sharad Kelkar, who graced the stage with his incredible story of self-discovery and perseverance. You would never guess that this charming actor, known for his flawless performances, once struggled with stammering and a preference for staying behind the scenes. His tale of overcoming self-doubt and facing the limelight head-on was truly inspiring. Kelkar credited Amitabh Bachchan’s breathing techniques for helping him refine his delivery, proving that great actors are always learning, no matter where they start. He also dropped some wisdom about how actors—whether in television or film—deserve the same respect, no matter the medium. Kelkar’s story wasn’t just about acting; it was about resilience, learning, and breaking through personal barriers. His candid reflections on his career journey inspired many in the audience to embrace their challenges and continue learning and growing in their respective fields.
Renowned casting director Shruti Mahajan turned the spotlight on the not-so-glamorous side of acting—the audition. She broke down the often-overlooked details that make or break an audition, revealing that it’s about so much more than just memorizing lines. Shruti explained that a successful audition is all about understanding the character and situation, but it goes beyond that. It’s about the details—everything from costume to conduct plays a crucial role in shaping the performance. But what really sets Shruti apart is her emphasis on emotion. She believes an actor’s true success lies in ensuring the emotional journey of the character is directed at the right person, making the audience feel those emotions deeply. To drive this point home, she led a fun, interactive activity where the audience got to experience firsthand how a slight shift in performance can transform everything. Shruti’s session was all about authenticity, preparation, and the emotional depth required to truly ace an audition!
Aditi Rao Hydari took the stage at the Jagran Film Festival, and it was nothing short of magical! With her radiant presence, she delved deep into her craft, sharing her belief that acting is all about immersing yourself fully in the role. Forget ego and distractions—become a blank canvas and let the character take over. Aditi revealed that she trusts her instincts to guide her, and for her, cinema is all about connecting with the audience in a way that transcends the individual. As she spoke about her love for storytelling, it was clear that whether it’s a gripping mystery or a heartfelt love story, Aditi pours her soul into every performance. She also took a moment to speak about empowering women, encouraging everyone to give their best and never hold back. With her commitment to her craft and her dedication to using her platform for change, Aditi’s session was a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling and self-expression.
Over the past few months, the Jagran Film Festival has been a whirlwind journey across 18 cities and 11 states, capturing the hearts and imaginations of audiences with its rich diversity and dynamic celebrations of cinema. With over 4,700 submissions and 292 standout films spanning 78 languages, the festival has truly embodied the spirit of inclusivity, showcasing everything from powerful documentaries to gripping short films and feature-length masterpieces.

As the festival heads towards its grand finale on March 9, 2025, attendees can expect even more thrilling sessions, including an intimate conversation with the legendary Pankaj Kapur, followed by a thought-provoking Theatre & Cinema panel with Makrand Deshpande, Seema Pahwa, Dev Faujdar, and Jayant Deshmukh. The day will wrap up with an inspiring chat with the Oscar-winning sound designer, Resul Pookutty. With an eclectic and star-studded lineup ahead, the Jagran Film Festival is set to continue its celebration of cinema’s transformative power, creativity, and the boundless possibilities it offers.

Link:
https://jff.co.in/about-us/

Event Details:

The Jagran Film Festival in Mumbai will take place at Fun Cinemas, Andheri West, from 6th to 9th March 2025, with the prestigious Awards Ceremony held in the evening at JW Marriott, Juhu on 9th March 2025.