Zwigato director Nandita Das: I cannot act and direct at the same time

Multi-tasking seems to have become a norm for many actors who have taken on additional duties as producers or directors. This includes Anushka Sharma, Ajay Devgn, Rajat Kapoor, and Tigmanshi Dhulia. But National Award-winning actress and filmmaker Nandita Das finds it quite daunting to act and direct simultaneously.

The filmmaker, who is known for delivering fine performances in films like 1947 Earth, Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa, Provoked, Ramchand Pakistani and I Am, is awaiting the release of her film as a director, Zwigato, which comes after Manto.

At the trailer launch of the film, where Nandita was present along with the lead cast Kapil Sharma and Shahana Goswami, the actor-director was asked why she does not act and direct at the same time. Nandita said, "I do not think that I can do it. Anyone who has seen me on the set of my film can vouch that I am a very hands-on director, so I am involved with every department when I shoot a film. People do tell me to play certain characters in the films that I have directed, but I don't think that I can run around so much behind the camera and in front of it, standing on the mark and performing....no! It's very tough!"

She then added, "Waise, ek kahaani hai mere paas, in which I can do it, but only if Sameer Nair (the producer of Zwigato) produces that project. Let's see."

Zwigato is about a food delivery executive named Manas and his wife, and how they struggle to survive by doing odd jobs to provide for their two children. The story captures the everyday struggles of people who are often overlooked and hidden in plain sight. But amid hardships, there are moments of joy, shared laughter, and love that make life worth living.

The film is produced by Applause Entertainment and releases in the theatre on March 17.