Tue Feb 24 10:01:52 UTC 2026: ### Nandita Das Reveals Casting Challenges and Collaboration with Javed Akhtar in ‘Manto’

The Story:

Nandita Das, director of the critically acclaimed biopic ‘Manto,’ has shared insights into casting veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar in his acting debut. In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, Das discussed the collaborative process, revealing initial creative differences and how they were resolved to enhance the film. She humorously noted introducing Akhtar to acting in the film’s credits.

Key Points:

  • Nandita Das directed ‘Manto,’ a biopic subverting typical biopic tropes.
  • Javed Akhtar made his acting debut in ‘Manto.’
  • Das initially faced creative disagreements with Akhtar regarding script changes.
  • The collaboration involved a balance of Das’s directorial vision and Akhtar’s input.
  • Das playfully credited herself with introducing Akhtar to acting in the film’s credits.
  • Samantha Ruth Prabhu discussed how her separation from Naga Chaitanya affected her emotionally and led her to shut down.

Key Takeaways:

  • ‘Manto’ distinguished itself as a biopic by focusing on the artist’s work rather than a hagiographic portrayal.
  • The film benefited from a collaborative creative process between the director and the debuting actor.
  • Casting decisions, even with established artists, can involve managing creative differences.
  • The article highlights Anas Arif’s journalistic approach in covering Indian cinema with a focus on the “craft behind the celebrity.”
  • Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s experience sheds light on the emotional impact of separation and the importance of vulnerability in healing, aligning with the broader theme of human vulnerability explored in ‘Manto.’

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