Writer Atika Chohan best known for her work like Chhappak, Guilty and Margarita with A Straw, has written an upcoming film KNOT, which will be produced by Slumdog Millionaire fame Dev Patel. The film which will be an international project will go on the floors in the second half of 2022. She spoke about her journey and the upcoming film in a recent interview.
Atika has delivered some major critically acclaimed films in her career, but talking about success she retorts, “Many people claim to have learnt from my success but if you ask me then I think I am a failure. I think we are in an industry which does not let you have your dues. Success has come to me after 15 years and it has not swept me off my feet.” She went on to further add how even till now she faces disparity in pay between female and male writers.
During the interview, she urged writers to deal with competition with maturity. That they should shed more light on gender dynamics and empower female characters. Atika shared, “Writers are the most integral part of a film and not directors. Writers need to be connective and corrective in their approach. Give power dynamics to the characters even if the female character does not carry weightage”.
She champions the cause of women empowerment and claims that her work is inspired by the writings of Charlotte Bronte, Virginia Wolf and Jill Soloway. Talking about battling patriarchy in the industry she revealed, some scathing attacks levelled on her, she said, “I have been called unprofessional by my male counterparts. I have given myself the confidence to be able to give me the recognition for the work I have delivered. If I have pissed them off, I have done a great job!”
(Source: Khul Ke)
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