Nidhie Sharma shares wisdom on writing, filmmaking and talks about her bestselling memoir, INVICTUS.
Hello, I'm Ramya, and joining me today is filmmaker, screenwriter, bestselling author and adventure sportswoman Nibhi Sharma. Nibi has studied filmmaking and screenwriting from New York University New York Film Academy, and she's directed three documentaries for climate change activist Al Gore's Current TV. Apart from also directing several critically acclaimed short films, she's also the screenwriter for the third season of the Emmy nominated sports drama Inside Edge for Amazon Prime Video
And versatility can sometimes be confounding because it's easier to understand someone you can put in a box. But now, see, I have formerly studied English literature and filmmaking and screenwriting. So embarking on a career as a writer and a filmmaker has been a conscious choice, because as far back as I can remember, I have been documenting my life in journals, I've been writing inverse writing, pros, sketches, doodling. It's all there. And I enjoy both equally
The lengths that people will go to in order to survive are truly amazing, and we see it play out page after page in your book Invictus. And as such, nonfiction survival books are something thing that people tend to read and tend to seek out. Why do you think that is so? And what are your thoughts on the enduring popularity of the genre?
You know, I think people look to survivors for inspiration. You know, life can be challenging and reallife stories, in a sense, become instruction manuals on how to play the hand you were dealt and play the h*** out of it, having beaten the odds. Survivors, after all, are living, breathing examples of what it means to be resilient, adaptable and courageous. And they sort of become role models
Yes, there is hope in survival. Absolutely I did. He was sigh of relief as I was reading the final pages of your book. I was so fervently rooting for you guys. So you are right when you say that survival stories came can be uplifting and inspirational. Especially your book in so many places underscores the lessons you glean from nature. It is such a nuanced portrayal of wonder and struggle, friendship, accountability and heroism and is bursting with inspiration directly from nature
Swell Team
@Swell · 0:15
So for me, honestly, Ramya, nature conservation is an in bylaws for everyone is a bit of a moral philosophy. And, you know, growing up outside cities, often in, the lack of nature consciously created this powerful, almost neural connection for me. And I think over the years, what that has done is to create an awareness of how much nature gives us and how little we give back. Look at climate change, global warming, cyclones, deforestation, landslides
Thank you so much for sharing that, Nathi. I am truly inspired. I really am. I read in an interview you did for your previous novel where you said that you were somewhat of an adrenaline junkie and a sports fiance. Could you pinpoint where your adventurous spirit comes from and maybe talk a little about how it informs your creative process? Did your close call with nature also have something do with this? I'm really curious to know
Being exposed to this wildly divergent. These wildly divergent influences in terms of art. Literature. Playing sports. Exploring the outdoors. Having adventures. Even unwanted ones. And this nomadic lifestyle. New containment. New school. New friendships. And also a stoic approach towards debt. Given my father's profession. I think all of that blended and shaped my interests and ultimately creative processes too. I think my life and career choices could also be called an accident of birth itself
Thanks for that Nidhie, you also have an excellent body of work in filmmaking. You have assisted Sudhir Vishra. You were the assistant director for Anil Kapoors 24 and directed three documentaries for or climate change activist Al Gore's current TV so what have been your greatest takeaways from the days of working with such stalwarts like Sudi Mishra and Al Gore and Anil Kapoor? Really love to know
Although the universe had conspired and my documentaries for them, and in particular, Kids Bank of India became one of the most watched documentaries and Current TV, and it's still very special to me, of course. From there, I moved to Mumbai and I came to Bumbai, and I reached out to Sudid Mishra, and he is this brilliant, critically acclaimed director. I had seen his film Hazaro Koi Shi, and he's one of those Mcnanimous filmmakers who welcomes newcomers if he deems them worthy
Thank you so much for sharing those lovely Anecdotes Nidhie. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this conversation. It's been nothing short of delightful and I really hope to bring you back on Swell for many more conversations. I'm going to to be sharing the link of your book for our listeners to check out. So thanks again, all the best and more power to you and your words
Jack .
@zejacques · 2:23
And I'm really happy to say after more than ten years of the organization being alive, we've now made plastic pollution awareness mainstream so people like yourself and others are aware of it and making personal changes that I think lead to systemic change. I had a question for you. I love the work that you're doing and I think film and movies and documentaries are such a powerful way to spread awareness and inspiration around battling climate change
Dr Sp Mishra
@ICareerCentre · 0:18
Hi, Ramya and NITI. Both of you spoke so well. I really enjoyed this swell, and I got to learn a lot of things from this conversation. Thank you once again to both. Really enjoy. Thank you. Bye
I think the site with the correct fact needs to learn to use it as well as a site spreading this information. I'll give you an example. There is a Wildlife Protection Society on social media that is doing a wonderful job to demystify the wolf. It's creating interesting, engaging, endearing content meant to create empathy for an animal which is hugely misunderstood and hunted. I mean, I think they're doing a barbarous job. And I'd also like to mention specifically to plastic pollution
Jack .
@zejacques · 4:22
And it's really cool to learn that you studied your filmography here and I'm sure no doubt the city itself had an impact on your storytelling. I no longer work for Take Three, but I'm definitely happy to reach out to them and ask that they reach out to you. I'm wondering what the best way to do that is. They're very active on Instagram, so perhaps I'm actually taking a break from Instagram
Parth Chandna
@Bravuras · 0:09
I truly enjoyed listening to the conversation. Really insightful tips and useful practical information. Thank you