Born in 1973 in Sonepur, a small town in Orissa, Nila Madhab Panda has travelled a long way and made a mark in film direction and production. His films, based on burning social issues, have been acclaimed internationally. In an exclusive interview with Orissa POST’s New Delhi correspondent Pravash Pradhan, Panda shares his happiness at being nominated for Padma Shri and his future plans.
You have been nominated for Padma Shri. How does it feel?
I feel happy. People think awards mean the end of working life, a sense of accomplishment. But I believe award means the beginning of a new life. New beginning means you are socially responsible. I feel proud that the government of India has recognised my work and honoured me. I feel more proud that whatever I have achieved it is because of the support of the people of Orissa and my family. I have now got the huge responsibility to carry forward my work in a better manner and in an improved form for which I have been recognised.
What works have you been awarded for?
People think I got the award for the four films I made “I’m Kalam”, “Jalpari”, “Babloo Happy Hai”, and “Kaun Kitney Paani Mein”. But you see the subjects of these films. All my films are based on socially relevant issues. If you see my documentary films of last 15 years, you will find these having larger social impact be it on climate change, water scarcity and pollution or sanitation. My works have influenced the society. This might be why the government considered me for the award. I’m not a regular film-maker who makes regular films and gets money out of the box office.
Which is your best film till date?
All my films are based on social issues and themes. All are best in their own way. All films are reflections of the present society.
What is your next project?
I’m working on the script for a film on climate change. I’ll do it soon.
Do you think this award will help boost your work and reputation
internationally?
I don’t think so. I have maintained my reputation internationally because of my work. By God’s grace I have successfully finished whatever work I have applied myself to. It’s not a new thing for me. People always appreciate my work and I get support from them. The award is important for me as it is a kind of inspiration and another level of encouragement for me.
What is your message to youngsters of Orissa?
I have not pursued money, reputation, box office, and lobbies. There is a trend among youngsters of believing in half work and half lobbying. I advise them to believe in hard work, passion and dedication. You have to motivate yourself and work hard.
Who inspired you into taking up film-making?
Everyone in my life has inspired me. Whoever I have come across during my life has influenced my thought process. You will find all characters in my film resemble people in day-to-day life. And film is not a world of glamour for me. I have seen the world from a different perspective. I liked to work in films as it is a medium of social change. Films are largely mirrors of society. You will find all these things in my films.
What is you ambition?
I don’t have any ambition. Coming from a poor family, my aim was to work to earn `2,000 a month to survive in the early days. Every day I try to improve my life, the life of my family. I try to work for my village and the society around me in whatever manner and form possible.
What is your vision for Orissa?
I want people of Orissa to realise their own worth. I have seen people lose themselves in inferiority complex, self pity. I would like to see Orissa rising in all spheres of life. I want everyone to feel proud of being an Oriya. You will see my film on Nabakalebara. It is coming out in a big way. It will spread the message of Lord Jagannath around the world.
