Indian representation in foreign films and projects and the rise of equal opportunities
Saying that entertainment has only been on a constant growth pedestal would be
an understatement. Even during trying times around the world a few years back, people
resorted to anything and everything art and everything that gave them more hope and
entertainment. That is how the entertainment realm across the world saw a massive rise and
growth, with innumerable new plays, shows, series, shorts, documentaries, and films reaching
households.
The consistent demand of audiences all across the globe for more engaging content and films led to the rise of many new projects that gave birth to several incredibly talented actors and artists. However, industry experts were quick to notice how people of colour rose to fame all over and paved the way for outstanding success for them in ways more than one.
Janya Govani, an Indian-origin young girl from Rajkot, Gujarat, who now has taken over the entertainment realm in the US as a multifaceted personality being an actor, dancer, vocalist, playwright and multimedia artist of the theatre has noticed the same. She sees the presence of Indian artists and artists from other countries in international theatre and performance art has seen a significant rise.
“I think each Indian is individually different, and needn’t uphold any responsibility towards a perceived ‘Indian’ identity. They all have an individual identity, and owning it is what is just so ‘Indian’ about them. That is what I am trying to do.” highlights Govani, speaking specifically about Indian talents in the international entertainment space.
The artist is known for performing in plays like Aap Toh Aap Hai, Fabulation and Convenience, and creating artistic, stage-related film work called Rivem, which she has also written, produced and performed in theatre like ‘Subject’ and ‘Convenience’ says that, ‘Indian identity abroad just cannot be ignored. Playing ethnic ambiguity very much builds livelihood, but I think a lot of what the creator and actor in me brings is closely related to my experiences in India. Discussing the effects of those experiences is the kind of work I want to create. As an actor, if I will be working globally, there aren’t many artists labelling the experiences they live in theatre as ‘Indian’. Just that label is enough for Western audiences to understand the dissection of the Indian experience, and that, in my opinion, could bring about curiosity for the culture. But I am just one Indian. There are many stories to be told, and fellow Indians taking onus is more important than one Indian making her art good enough for a Western audience. I don’t wanna do either so I will just make stories I believe I wanna tell and forget about where the ‘Indian’ identity lies.
Fellow South based theatre artists responded to ‘Convenience’, Govani’s multimedia one-woman show. Sunita Param, actor and musical theatre vocalist with South Asian heritage noted ‘Janya has stage presence in spades!’, and ‘A triumph for her freshman solo debut!’. Vimala Veera, the American actor, wrote about Govani’s work,’ What a brave and unique performance from Janya. As a lover of experimental theatre, this was such a sight to see and experience. As an audience member, It felt like I was intruding on one’s deepest and darkest thoughts and it was wonderful to witness.’
Despite challenges for people of colour on a global platform, such as racism, language barriers, and cultural differences, as a result of which there is a constant need to prove their versatility, many notable names have risen to the top for their ability to adapt and integrate cultural elements, offering audiences diverse and inclusive artistic and entertainment experiences
The consistent demand of audiences all across the globe for more engaging content and films led to the rise of many new projects that gave birth to several incredibly talented actors and artists. However, industry experts were quick to notice how people of colour rose to fame all over and paved the way for outstanding success for them in ways more than one.
Janya Govani, an Indian-origin young girl from Rajkot, Gujarat, who now has taken over the entertainment realm in the US as a multifaceted personality being an actor, dancer, vocalist, playwright and multimedia artist of the theatre has noticed the same. She sees the presence of Indian artists and artists from other countries in international theatre and performance art has seen a significant rise.
“I think each Indian is individually different, and needn’t uphold any responsibility towards a perceived ‘Indian’ identity. They all have an individual identity, and owning it is what is just so ‘Indian’ about them. That is what I am trying to do.” highlights Govani, speaking specifically about Indian talents in the international entertainment space.
The artist is known for performing in plays like Aap Toh Aap Hai, Fabulation and Convenience, and creating artistic, stage-related film work called Rivem, which she has also written, produced and performed in theatre like ‘Subject’ and ‘Convenience’ says that, ‘Indian identity abroad just cannot be ignored. Playing ethnic ambiguity very much builds livelihood, but I think a lot of what the creator and actor in me brings is closely related to my experiences in India. Discussing the effects of those experiences is the kind of work I want to create. As an actor, if I will be working globally, there aren’t many artists labelling the experiences they live in theatre as ‘Indian’. Just that label is enough for Western audiences to understand the dissection of the Indian experience, and that, in my opinion, could bring about curiosity for the culture. But I am just one Indian. There are many stories to be told, and fellow Indians taking onus is more important than one Indian making her art good enough for a Western audience. I don’t wanna do either so I will just make stories I believe I wanna tell and forget about where the ‘Indian’ identity lies.
Fellow South based theatre artists responded to ‘Convenience’, Govani’s multimedia one-woman show. Sunita Param, actor and musical theatre vocalist with South Asian heritage noted ‘Janya has stage presence in spades!’, and ‘A triumph for her freshman solo debut!’. Vimala Veera, the American actor, wrote about Govani’s work,’ What a brave and unique performance from Janya. As a lover of experimental theatre, this was such a sight to see and experience. As an audience member, It felt like I was intruding on one’s deepest and darkest thoughts and it was wonderful to witness.’
Despite challenges for people of colour on a global platform, such as racism, language barriers, and cultural differences, as a result of which there is a constant need to prove their versatility, many notable names have risen to the top for their ability to adapt and integrate cultural elements, offering audiences diverse and inclusive artistic and entertainment experiences