Vinta Nanda on resilience and rebuilding her career post #MeToo.
Vinta Nanda reflects on life after her #MeToo allegations, overcoming industry exclusion, and reigniting her creative journey during the pandemic.
Filmmaker-writer Vinta Nanda has got candid about how she has been coping since coming forward with her allegations against actor Alok Nath in 2018. In an exclusive interview with News18, Nanda reflected on the aftermath of her decision to speak out and how she has navigated her personal and professional life. The conversation comes in the wake of the Hema Committee Report that has caused a stir in the Malayalam film industry, prompting numerous women to share their own stories of sexual misconduct.
Reflecting on the aftermath of her allegations, Nanda shared, “After I came forward, I found myself having to crawl back into the scene. Despite receiving support from certain quarters and having lawyers stand by me, the industry largely discarded me. It was challenging, especially since I was not a nobody; I had created my own legacy without any backing. But in 2019 and 2020, the work I was doing was suddenly snatched away, and I found myself facing a blank wall.”
Nanda acknowledged the irony in how the COVID-19 pandemic, despite its devastating impact, played a role in levelling the playing field. “Providence, in the form of COVID, happened. Suddenly, everyone was in the same situation, facing the same challenges. It was almost like a divine reminder that those who shunned me were now experiencing the same hardships,” she explained.
The pandemic’s challenges spurred Nanda to innovate and rediscover her creative spirit. “During those tough times, I found myself creating some of my best work. The idea for The Daily Eye, now a formidable online media outlet, was born during this period. I took the opportunity to learn digital media and took online courses. My passion for photography deepened, and I immersed myself in graphic art. Today, I’m back on my feet, creating, and doing work that I’m proud of,” she said.
Nanda concluded with a resilient note, emphasising that despite the exclusion she has faced, she remains dedicated to her creative pursuits. “Whether or not anyone includes me, I am doing my thing. I am living my life on my own terms, doing work that fulfils me,” she said.
