Mahesh Bhatt and Shagufta Kalim at ITA writers workshop

A distinguished panel of filmmakers & TV personalities came together at an event organised by Third Eye in association with Hollywood Health & Society to deliberate over the need to have a social message sent across through films & TV. The event was in collaboration with ITA, FICCI, Film Writers Association of India and The Film & Television Producers Guild of India.

The panelists included Mahesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt, Anu Ranjan, Rohan Joshi, Kamlesh Pandey, Anjum Rajabali and many others. Moderated by Sandra de Castro Buffington, Director – Hollywood Health & Society, the panelists discussed the challenges and opportunities that film writers, directors face while working with films or television and how the core message has to be packaged to the audience in the form of entertainment.

Mukesh Bhatt presented the producer’s perspective to the debate emphasizing the fact that primarily they were businessmen and the economic aspect of movies or TV serials should be of primary importance.
Anu Ranjan spoke about the challenges to give a credible platform to TV and TV stars in a country like India where film stars are treated like demigods. She also spoke about the contribution of women in society and the need to recognize their efforts.

The panelists also came together to celebrate the 13th anniversary of ITA and joined in the cake cutting ceremony with Anu & Shashi Ranjan.