The prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards is much awaited every year. Artists, filmmakers and creative minds from all over the country and internationally are spotted at the festival. Big names of the industry are present, and often appreciated with awards for their contribution to cinema.
One such artist, an actress and a writer, newcomer Himanee Aarya Bhatia has been appreciated for her film and performance at the festival. Bhatia, a Delhi girl is the latest outsider who has made a huge mark in the industry. Her film, ‘Act Normal’ has come amongst the Top 100 films at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award. Bhatia has received massive appreciation for her acting performance, as well as the story, which Bhatia has written herself. The film touched the topic of mental health, and shows the daily struggle of a young person dealing with clinical depression. At a time where depression cases have increased all over the country, Bhatia says to talk about mental health is extremely important. Reportedly the film was a zero budget short film. She collaborated with like minded creative people to make the film, and the film was a sleeper success.
Bhatia who has always been an advocate for awareness for mental health said that the role of Maana, which is the protagonist of the film , is the toughest character she has played in her entire career.
“Portraying a girl with clinical depression was the toughest part for me. I wanted to live each and every moment of what the character goes through in , which led me to empathise with people struggling through their mental health. If during an acting performance I was so emotionally impacted, I can’t even imagine what people actually fighting a battle with their mental health go through. I wrote the whole screenplay and dialogues as this is a film which every person should watch, regardless of age and gender. I hope through this film there is more awareness in society about mental health and there is more conversation that takes place without stigma and shame. I am very grateful to the jury of Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2024 for appreciating my film and my performance. I promise my audience and fans that I will work even harder to make my fans proud.”
We wish Himanee all the best for her future endeavours!