Life inspires Gauri Shinde; 'English Vinglish' director says amazing experiences don’t take place in an office setup

Gauri Shinde is Zoya's muse for 'Finely Crafted Journeys'.

By ET Bureau | Feb 27, 2020, 10.11 AM IST

This time, Zoya’s muse was highly acclaimed advertising and feature film writer and director Gauri Shinde.

Zoya, the diamond boutique from the House of Tata, presents ‘Finely Crafted Journeys’ — conversations with women achievers, whose creativity and commitment to their craft have created something truly distinctive.

This time, Zoya’s muse was highly acclaimed advertising and feature film writer and director Gauri Shinde. Her films like 'English Vinglish' and 'Dear Zindagi' have won her a host of nominations and awards for her impeccably-crafted direction and storytelling. Excerpts from an interview:

What is the inspiration for your craft?

My inspiration comes from life; maybe it was something I witnessed, an experience I was part of, or a conversation I overheard, a book I read or an artwork I saw and from my travels. These experiences don’t happen in a day-to-day office environment, so I get out for long periods to just live, to be. I don’t do this because I am searching for an idea, but because this is who I am and need to be. Through this process, I find my voice and what I want to convey — the emotions and expressions that are important to me at that point in my life and issues I want to resolve, and those find their way into a film. In that process, I look for my answers as well.

Her films like 'English Vinglish' and 'Dear Zindagi' have won her a host of nominations and awards for her impeccably-crafted direction and storytelling.

What does creativity mean to you?

Creativity is an inherent curiosity about life and everything around you. Creativity doesn’t mean being different, but it is simplicity. For me, it is to watch an experience and then live and express it on screen in a simple way.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?

I enjoy writing. It allows me to go into the dark, deep and sometimes bright recesses of my mind and uncover all the weird, fun stuff. It is difficult but wonderful and exciting. Secondly, I love being on set. It has a vibrant energy. It may be tiring and killing, but it is also thrilling and satisfying to be amidst my team, actors and a talented group of people.

Zoya and you…

Zoya and me is a new relationship. I like that Zoya enjoys creative storytelling, which finds expression in the form of their many collections and beautifully crafted pieces. I love their Rhapsodie collection, which is inspired by diverse techniques of haute cuisine. I relate to its design, which is contemporary and a form of rare art. I love this new bond and hope to acquire more of it.

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