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Filmmaker Ghaywan Reclaims Dalit Identity On Global Stage
22 Jan
Summary
- Neeraj Ghaywan transitioned from engineering and MBA to filmmaking.
- His debut film 'Masaan' earned global recognition at Cannes.
- Ghaywan now openly embraces his Dalit identity in his work.
Neeraj Ghaywan's path to international filmmaking acclaim began not in film schools, but in a corporate office. After earning an engineering degree and an MBA, he pursued a career in film, assisting Anurag Kashyap. His 2015 directorial debut, 'Masaan,' premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, earning him global recognition.
For years, Ghaywan concealed his Dalit identity, fearing societal judgment and exclusion. This concealment stemmed from childhood experiences of perceived stigma, leading him to adopt a more privileged identity for access. However, he eventually realized the shame belonged to society, not to him.
Following 'Masaan's' success, Ghaywan began openly discussing his background, reflected in his subsequent characters. These figures, like the crematorium worker in 'Masaan' or the Dalit professor in 'Made in Heaven,' are portrayed with complexity. His 2025 film, 'Homebound,' also received acclaim at Cannes and was India's official entry for the Oscars, solidifying his position as a filmmaker embracing his heritage.
