Ratna Pathak Shah on 'pan-India' concept: Films in different languages have a different flavour when they talk about a place you know nothing about

Ratna Pathak Shah, speaking at a FICCI Frames panel titled "One Nation: Many Cinematic Voices," emphasised the importance of cinema in conveying the country's many cultural traditions to new audiences.

According to ETimes, the veteran actor explained that different types of content are acceptable to various target audiences. Their blunder has been referring to India as a whole and assuming that everyone should agree with everything. They are aiming for all of India with this. One can't have it both ways in India. Idli dosa is available in Kashmir, but that doesn't make it a local speciality. Just something one likes that has a unique flavour. Similarly, when watching a film in a language one is unfamiliar with, the setting and characters take on a new flavour. Manipuri films always blow Ratna's mind because they cover topics she has never heard of before. Films are a reflection of the ways in which people's lives, ideas, and society are evolving.

The senior actor further remarked that the audience today doesn't only want fantasy, referring to the shift in tastes. They're aware of how difficult life can be and look to films to help them cope. Ratna sees that as a significant shift. They now have some idea that not every film in India will appeal to everyone.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Ratna was last seen in the series Happy Family: Conditions Apply, wherein she played the lead role of Hemlata Mansukhlal Dholakia. The series is currently streaming on Prime Video. The actor was also seen in Netflix's Trial by Fire opposite Anupam Kher. In 2021, she featured in two Hindi films, including Jayeshbhai Jordaar, starring Ranveer Singh in the titular role, and Attack, starring John Abraham.

Earlier this year, Ratna went on to star in a Gujarati film, Kutch Express, alongside Manasi Parekh. The film also had Dharmendra Gohil, Darsheel Safary, and Viraf Patel in supporting roles.