‘Representing India at the Cannes is a big deal’

Delhi-based filmmaker Shaunak Sen is all set to pack his bags and jet off to France for the screening of his documentary, All That Breathes, at the 75th edition of Cannes Film Festival. And he is happy to add to the growing popularity of India’s nonfiction globally.

Sen’s Sundance Grand Jury Prize winning documentary will be premiering in the

Special Screening segment at the 10-day film festival, which will begin on May 17.

Sen calls it a prestigious moment to represent India on a global platform, yet again. He adds, “We are overwhelmed with joy, especially for the (growing) non-fiction film form in India...which is finding a platform and stage that it deserved earlier.”

Opening up about the project, he says, “Initially, I thought it is an obscure film about Delhi and it’s ecology; also it is lyrical, poetic and slow. I wasn’t sure about the distribution opportunities, and now going to Cannes will provide it an unparalleled stage.”

For Sen, India being the Country of Honour at the fest makes it extra special. “All these synergies happen together is quite thrilling, and feels like things spun into the right place. It is beautiful,” he says on a parting note.

Actor-couple Nikitin Dheer and Kratika Sengar Dheer became parents to a girl on Thursday morning. When contacted, an ecstatic grandfather actor Pankaj Dheer says, “It is a beautiful moment in our lives and hum bhagyshaali hain jo yahan tak pahuche. Wish for the baby and the mother to stay healthy.”

Talking about his son and daughter-in-law, he shares, “Nikitin is excited and thrilled that he has become a father. Kratika is doing well too. We are all very happy with this new addition in our lives and family.”

The couple announced in November last year about their pregnancy. Earlier they posted pictures on their Instagram sharing glimpses from the maternity shoot. “Happiness is on the way,” they wrote while sharing the photographs. “The room is ready, bags packed, parents have flown down to Mumbai, we are all ready to welcome the new member in the family,” Kratika earlier told India Today in an interview.

It is a beautiful moment in our lives and hum bhagyshaali hain jo yahan tak pahuche. PANKAJ DHEER, Actor