Konkona Sensharma Finds Authenticity in Directing, Navigates Parenting

Konkona Sensharma, an acclaimed actress and director, has been part of the Indian film industry for nearly 25 years. In a recent interview, she shared her perspective on the importance of self-doubt and how it has shaped her creative process.

Sensharma believes that a certain amount of self-doubt is crucial, as it keeps her "honest" and prevents her from becoming overconfident. She avoids working with overly confident people, as she finds them "quite annoying." This belief in the value of self-questioning was reinforced after the making of her film "A Death in the Gunj," which she considers her most satisfying creative project to date.

"A Death in the Gunj" was a deeply personal film for Sensharma, as she wrote and directed it. She explains that for the first time, she wasn't trying to prove anything, but simply aiming to be honest. This experience taught her not to second-guess herself as much, though she still occasionally wonders if she is "allowed" to do or say certain things.

Sensharma's approach to parenting her teenage son, Haroon, reflects a similar thoughtfulness. While her own upbringing was very liberal and open, with no need to hide anything, Sensharma acknowledges that the times have changed. She tries to maintain that same level of openness with Haroon, though she admits that she is more cautious than her parents were.