Shrimoyee Chakraborty, a talented chef, filmmaker, and TV host, has recently unveiled her latest documentary, ‘In The Name of Durga’. In an insightful interview with Asian Voice, Shrimoyee delves into the inspiration behind the documentary, sharing the motivations and deeper reasons that led her to explore this powerful subject.
Speaking about the process of the documentary, Shrimoyee said, “I was deeply affected by the tragic events at R G Kar Hospital, especially since it happened in my hometown and involved people I knew in the medical profession. As I read the stories, I felt a mix of helplessness and anxiety. I wanted to do something meaningful but struggled with the idea of posting about it on social media, unsure of its impact.”
“When I went to Calcutta for Durga Pujo with my daughter, I knew I couldn’t just visit without doing something. As a filmmaker, I felt a responsibility to take action in my own capacity. After discussing with my friend and DOP, Usha, who also shared similar experiences, we decided to shoot a film. However, I didn’t want the project to feel exploitative or capitalising on someone’s tragedy. It was important to me that it came from a genuine place,” she added.
She said, “The film became a cathartic process for me, allowing me to speak openly about my own experience for the first time. I didn’t want to use another girl’s story but wanted to highlight the real voices of Calcutta—ordinary women, like the female artisans making idols, whose stories are often overlooked. I also wanted to incorporate a male perspective, so the film includes a conversation between my brother and me, as I believe these discussions are crucial for societal change. The film came together effortlessly over two days, and it was one of the easiest shoots I’ve done. It was born out of a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to speak out meaningfully, giving space to real women and their voices.”
Shift from early progressive movements to modern realities
Shrimoyee shared the moments in ‘In The Name of Durga’ that left a lasting impact on her. She remarked, “I was astounded to discover that the Pujo we celebrate in Calcutta began 180 years ago to honour a widow, challenging the traditional notion of widows as oppressed. India, especially Calcutta, has long been home to visionaries like Rabindranath Tagore, who redefined views on women. Yet, as a society, we seem to have forgotten these progressive roots. The stark contrast between those early movements and today's reality was truly eye-opening.”
She continued, “What really struck me during the film was the raw honesty and fearlessness of the women I interviewed. Their anger was palpable, and it was powerful to witness. It wasn't shocking, but rather cathartic, to hear them speak so openly about their experiences. The response to the film has been overwhelming, with thousands of women and girls reaching out, saying, 'Thank you for speaking out,' many of whom had never shared their trauma with their families before.”
Women should feel empowered to own their stories
Speaking about a broader message that viewers want to take away from her documentary, she said, “ The overarching message is this: there is no shame. A girl should never feel ashamed of owning or speaking about an incident that happened to her. That’s why I’ve been matter-of-fact about my own experience—it wasn’t my fault, and there’s no reason for me to feel shame. Women should feel empowered to own their stories, and there should be no stigma attached to speaking out. At the same time, we must hold perpetrators accountable and call out such behaviour without hesitation.
“Families must stay vigilant, listen, and provide the support survivors need to heal. For men, this isn’t about gender conflict but a collective effort to uphold humanity and address heinous crimes like rape. Their active participation is essential for change. Women, too, must break free from societal conditioning that silences them. By speaking out and working together, we can build a safer, more empathetic society,” she added.
Social media is like a double-edged sword
Shrimoyee expressed concerns about social media, noting that while it empowers women and amplifies important conversations, it also poses serious risks, particularly for teenagers. She said, “Social media normalises harassment, including rape threats, and promotes unrealistic body standards, creating a harmful environment. While it can spread vital messages—like for my film—it also brings negativity and hate. The pressure, especially on women, can be overwhelming and has led to devastating consequences, including suicides. Ultimately, I see social media as a double-edged sword, with its harmful effects often outweighing its benefits.”
