The 13th Jagran Film Festival concluded in Mumbai, hosting discussions on mental health awareness. The festival toured cities including Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi. It featured insights from film industry figures, including actors Kajol and Siddhant Chaturvedi.
Festival Highlights Mental Health
The festival’s Mumbai leg coincided with World Mental Health Day , focusing on mental well-being. Discussions emphasized mental health as a universal responsibility. Panelists stated this responsibility extends beyond the film industry. Directors R. Balki, Inayat Verma, Mukesh Chhabra, and actor Anup Soni participated in these conversations.
Kajol: Filmmaking as Therapy
Actress Kajol proposed filmmaking as a therapeutic activity. She stated, “everyone should do at least one film in their career,” calling it “a kind of therapy.” Kajol encouraged parents to involve their children, suggesting they “experience this therapy” which she finds “really rewarding.”
Kajol recounted personal experiences from film sets, including singing atop a Mumbai taxi for a scene. Regarding emotional performances, she explained, “When you cry in front of the camera, people don’t laugh at you; they think you’re really brave for doing it, and you really feel better when you’re actually crying.”
Mukesh Chhabra Raises Concern on Depression Term
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra expressed concern regarding the casual use of “depression” by young people. He stated, “These days, young people use the word depression so easily at such a young age.” Chhabra highlighted depression as a severe mental health problem, adding, “when it happens to you, it can be really difficult.”
He shared a personal account: his father struggled with depression after his mother’s death. Chhabra questioned the experiences leading young individuals aged 18 or 19 to identify as victims of depression.
Siddhant Chaturvedi’s Poetic Reflection
Actor Siddhant Chaturvedi contributed a reflective poem during the mental health discussion panel. His verses explored life’s diverse experiences, including personal struggles and shared human journeys. Chaturvedi’s poem touched on themes of aspiration and overcoming perceived deficiencies. He recited:
“I have truly seen life, some of it is mine and some of it is yours. Some flew away in the air and some remained on the ground. Some shrank into dust and some were washed away with tears. Some rose and some could not. To tell the truth, the lack is not in the pocket, that lack is not in the name. We are the ones who imagine and then move ahead by deciding the journey of tomorrow. We are the ones who even make theatre with clay puppets.”
Anup Soni Stresses Open Communication
Actor Anup Soni highlighted the critical importance of open communication for mental well-being. He stated, “I think it’s really important to understand how to deal with a situation like this. I believe that in this situation, you should talk to your friends and family about it.”
Soni warned against suppressing emotional issues. He explained, “If we don’t talk to anyone about it, it will really become a bigger problem.” He advised, “You should really talk about it very clearly and with someone you trust.”
Festival’s Broader Impact
The 13th Jagran Film Festival served as a platform for diverse, meaningful discussions. It connected cinema with broader societal issues, notably mental health. The festival fostered essential conversations on mental well-being, recognizing its importance alongside creative expression and storytelling.
The event’s multi-city tour engaged wide audiences across India through screenings, workshops, and interactive dialogues. The festival reinforced that mental well-being is fundamental to celebrating human stories and understanding emotions, leaving a lasting impact.