Shefali Shah: “Cinema Could Influence People’s Minds But Can’t Change Them”

Actor par excellence, Shefali Shah, a passionate traveller and foodie, joined our Editor-in-Chief, Kamiya Jani, for a Sunday Brunch. The seafood lover gorged on the choicest of coastal dishes with Kamiya at Mumbai’s Gajalee. While discussing food, films and fun, Shah talked about the power of cinema that can influence people’s minds. But can it change them? Here’s what she said.

Shefali Shah Shares Her Opinion On Whether Cinema Can Change People’s Minds

While feasting on coastal delicacies like Amboli, Bombil Fry and Ambat Tikhat Prawns, Kamiya asked Shefali if cinema has the ability to influence people or change their minds. “It (cinema) can influence. But it can’t change,” said the actress confidently. She wishes cinema has the power to, but it can’t. She acknowledges that item songs are blamed as they are believed to put “wrong thoughts” into people’s minds.

She argues that if that is the case, then why is it that films that talk about strong women characters, how to protect women, aren’t believed to influence anybody’s minds? Shefali Shah recalled a popular film of hers, which she believed had a strong impact on people in the long run. That film is Monsoon Wedding. The character played by Shefali Shah had been molested as a child. The actress reveals that she personally knows many women who have undergone similar traumas, and her film spoke to them.

Also Read: This Is One Advice Shefali Shah Would Give To Her 20-Year-Old Self!

The Heartwarming Impact Of Monsoon Weddings

“You gave us the strength to voice what went through,” were words spoken to her by many women. Shefali stated that there were many women who went through such pains but didn’t have the courage to voice them, even within their families. Her experience talking to women after her film and listening to the positive impact it had on their lives left Shefali Shah overwhelmed and grateful.

Apart from these heartwarming talks, Shefali also showed her playful side by giving Kamiya a demo on how to eat Bombil Fry. A coastal girl herself, Shefali Shah absolutely adores seafood. And we couldn’t help but admire her love for food, played out so honestly.

Also Read: Shefali Shah Is A Night Owl And It’s Genetic!

If you want to watch this fun episode with Shefali Shah, catch it on Curly Tales’ YouTube channel.

Cover Image Courtesy: Internal