Indrani Chakrabarti’s film Chhaad, starring Paoli Dam, tells the story of Mitra, a young schoolteacher whose passion for writing and sketching is deeply intertwined with the open space of her shared terrace. As summer holidays confine her to a suffocating home and an unfeeling husband, the loss of the terrace becomes a metaphor for a deeper existential crisis. A t2 chat Indrani...

Where did you grow up?

In south Calcutta. Our elders wanted us to concentrate on our studies, so they would send us up to the terrace. But of course, once on the terrace, you’d rather watch the sky and the moon than study. That space became a part of us, very close to our hearts. I actually wrote the first draft of this script back in 2005. You won’t believe it, but I’ve been planning to make this film since then. I grew up in a house with a terrace — it still has one, actually. My connection with terraces goes back to my childhood.

Where were you in life at that point?

I was 25 and not in a particularly happy space. I started looking for producers, which was quite difficult. In the meantime, the narrative evolved, but the central idea remained the same.

And what is that central idea?

The significance of the terrace and the crisis that emerges when it is taken away. That core remained unchanged.

The film has already been to so many festivals, and now it is playing in the theatres.

Having been to these festivals, I’ve seen that audiences identify with the characters and situations. That reassured me that this film should be released. Friends encouraged me too, saying people would connect with it. Because, at some level, we all crave open space. Whether man or woman, everyone needs that space. That’s when I felt certain — we had to release it.

And having spoken to so many people who have watched the film, what do you think is its overarching message?

The need for open spaces, which are disappearing. It’s quite alarming, really. We don’t realise that so much of today’s depression, intolerance, and unrest stems from the fact that we’ve lost our connection to nature and, in turn, to ourselves. I wanted to highlight that.