Rajshri Deshpande on showcasing the horrors of the 2002 Gujarat riots faced by women in particular

Rajshri Deshpande, known for her powerful performances in The Fame Game and Trial By Fire, is once again making waves in the film industry with her latest short film Gudgudi. Set against the backdrop of the 2002 Gujarat riots, the film delves deep into the themes of survival and resilience, offering a unique perspective through the eyes of a mother-daughter duo. Directed by Abhiroop Basu, Gudgudi is not just a story of survival but also a reflection of the strength and perseverance of women in the face of unimaginable adversity. The film has earned the distinct honor of being the only Indian film selected for competition at the prestigious 47th Odense International Film Festival in Denmark. In an exclusive interview with India Forums, Rajshri Deshpande shared her thoughts on the film, her role, and her journey as an actor.

Gudgudi is a short film that brings to light the horrors of the 2002 Gujarat riots, but it does so from a uniquely personal perspective. The film focuses on the experiences of a mother and daughter as they navigate the chaos and violence that engulfs their world. While many films on similar topics have often centered on the broader political and social ramifications, Gudgudi zeroes in on the intimate and personal struggles of its protagonists. It highlights the survival instinct that kicks in when one’s world is torn apart and how women, in particular, often bear the brunt of such atrocities. The title, Gudgudi, which typically evokes a sense of joy and light-heartedness, is laden with deeper meanings in this film.

During the interview, Rajshri expressed her excitement about the film's journey and the recognition it is receiving on the global stage. "I'm feeling great that the film is traveling and is getting recognition. Abhiroop really worked hard to do this. So, yeah, I feel good when the film gets paid," she shared, highlighting the collaborative effort that went into making Gudgudi a success.

When asked about the challenges of working on a film that deals with such a sensitive subject, Rajshri was candid about her initial apprehensions. Usually, when someone has to be a part of it, you always have that inhibition—what will happen? How will it go to the censor board? What will people say? However, she urged viewers to watch the film to fully understand its message. "It's a story of survival. It's a story of how a mother, especially the women, constantly find themselves trying to survive in this world, no matter what is happening—be it political spaces, caste or creed, or whatever issue is going on. A woman always has to survive, hustle, and try to make a space for herself," she elaborated.

Rajshri emphasized that the film is not just about the Gujarat riots but about the broader struggles women face daily. "The good news about that is it's about how women are surviving in all possible spaces—be it a natural calamity, wars, political indifferences, caste issues, or even in day-to-day life. A part of us has to survive," she said, drawing parallels between the film's narrative and real-life experiences.

One of the intriguing aspects of the film is its title, Gudgudi. When asked about the meaning behind it, Rajshri hinted at the deeper layers of the story. "Gudgudi, one remembers as a joyful thing. But there's so much actually behind that word," she explained, leaving the audience to discover its true significance by watching the film. "It's always not a joy to talk to each other, you know. I think it's that kind of thing," she added, suggesting that the title holds a mirror to the bittersweet nature of the story.

Reflecting on her career, Rajshri spoke about the validation she has received over the years, though she remains humble about her achievements. "Last year, I got some 10, 15 awards. I don't know whether they were validation for my work or people appreciating my work. Validation is beautiful. But, you know, the only thing I know is that I have to keep working hard for each and every character of mine," she said.

Rajshri's dedication to her craft is evident in the way she approaches every project. "Every project is, whatever I'm working on, be it Trial By Fire, which gave me so much, or maybe Satyashodhak, which traveled the world, or maybe, you know, all those sacred things or whatever films I have done, they all gave me joy. They gave me appreciation because I worked hard for it. So, be it a short film or be it a feature film or a series, for me, every work is similar, and I put my heart and soul into all of them," she shared.

Rajshri also spoke about the importance of collaborating with young filmmakers and being open to new experiences. "When it comes to young filmmakers, new filmmakers, I feel that collaborating and understanding new things and being part of even a smaller space or bigger spaces—what matters is what I'm learning from that, what I'm gaining from that. Every film work is my journey," she concluded, underscoring her commitment to continuous growth as an artist.

As the film continues to garner attention at international film festivals, it stands as a testament to the strength of women and the stories that deserve to be told.