Tahira Kashyap – A story of a mother who is a true warrior!
Filmmaker, writer, mother, and breast cancer survivor. Tahira is an inspiration for many. A couple of years ago, in her interview with Humans of Bombay. She said,
”I was a closeted writer, afraid to explore her passion. I’d studied biotechnology and then mass communication. When I moved to Mumbai I worked as a professor and even in PR and Radio. In my heart, I wanted to write and make films. But I didn’t want to be an actor’s wife doing things on a whim. So I hustled in the day but cried at night.”
Tahira shared “when I came across Nichiren’s Buddhism – a philosophy that gave me wings to fly. It was tough but it didn’t seem impossible anymore”. She wrote a short film that made her entry to the film festival in Taiwan.
The Journey
She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer when her husband, Ayushman Khurana was at the peak of his career with Andadhun and Badhai Ho movie to be released.
On 22nd September 2018 she shared with social media that she was detected with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) in her right breast with high-grade malignant cells; Stage 0, Breast Cancer.
“She shared that this obstacle has given her a new definition of life. Respect its unpredictability and have the faith and courage to be the hero of our own drama of life. The invincible human spirit is God-like, gives the courage to endure and the will to revive.”
The post on Instagram motivates many other Cancer patients.
Inspirational Message on Instagram
Her seven years old son got embarrassed because she was bald. Her son told her not to come in front of his friends.
It was difficult for the lady to make her son understand all about the disease and her situation. She met all his friends, they were amazed for a bit but were normal later. She says to have redefined “normal” and “beautiful” for his son.
On 4th Feb, she wished everyone a Happy #worldcancerday. She strongly wants to remove the taboo and stigma associated with Cancer and spread the message that “Cancer can have to anyone”.
Cancer Day Post on Instagram by Tahira Kashyap
Books By Tahira Kashyap
When it comes to writing, she doesn’t shy away from sharing her personal experiences in the most candid way possible. She’s a great writer, with a sense of humor, that’s sure to keep readers turning the pages.
Let’s look at her best-sellers which even though had the most unpopular opinions were loved by the readers.
# The 12 Commandments of Being a Woman
As Tahira says – “The 12 commandments of being a woman will make you laugh (a lot) and cry (a little), inspire you and move you. It may just become your Bible.”
It’s a fast-paced, quippy read that takes you through the ups and downs of womanhood, from her battle with self-acceptance to breast cancer. Being brutally honest in her book, she authentically shares her very personal experiences.
A lot of Bollywood actors praised her book as well.
Other books that she wrote are I Promise…, Souled’ Out: A Collection Of Short Stories, Cracking the Code written by Andhadun actor and herself, Be Atmanirbhar.
# 7 Sins of Being a Mother
Another book that will not disappoint its readers is about motherhood. She unabashedly talks about her unpopular feelings being a mother.
Through her book, she showed the celibate side of parenthood or motherhood. Most women had a hard time accepting those feelings themselves, let alone sharing them with others.
This one, like the previous one, created a lot of buzzes.
If honest and personal experiences interest you, you must read some of her work.
Short Films by Tahira Kashyap
Tahira is just not a Bollywood wife but a great director and writer. Beautiful stories come alive when she makes them.
She made her directorial debut with the short film, Toffee.
# Toffee
It’s a moving story of friendship that defies any class barriers.
Tania (Sammaera Jaiswal) from a well-off family visits her maternal grandmother in Jalandhar during summer break. There, she reunites with her childhood friend Ritu (Syna Chand) who lives in slums. The two girls realize how far apart their worlds have become. And then the story follows.
Toffee was released in 2018 on Eros Now. It can also be watched on Airtel Xtreme.
# Pinni
Pinni is a heartwarming 2020 film that is a part of one of the seven segments in the anthology film Zindagi inShort. (Flipkart Video)
It stars Neena Gupta and Shishir Sharma in lead roles. The film is produced by Guneet Monga’s production house.
# Quaranteen Crush – Feels like Ishq
Quaranteen Crush is a part of six-episode Indian anthropology TV series directed by Tahira Kashyap. The series was released on Netflix in July 2021.
A teen boy crushes on the girl self-quarantining next door. In an effort to meet her, he tells seemingly innocent lies.
Bittu
Bittu is a 2020 short film about an eight-year-old girl, who stands up to protect vulnerable members of her community, and becomes a symbol of hope. The film also tells the story of two school friends.
Tahira Kashyap co-produced this short film with Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga, and Ruchika Kapoor under their cinema collective Indian Women Rising. Bittu managed to make it to the Academy top 10 for Best Live Action Short Film category and is also nominated for Oscars 2021.
The movie will be released in 2022. It stars significant actors like Saiyami Kher, Sakshi Tanwar, and Divya Dutta. The movie was both written and directed by Tahira Kashyap.
An ensemble drama about the modern, middle-class female experience and the lives of urban women. All of the characters share the same surname of Sharma.
We’re sure the movie Sharmaji ki Beti would do well and wish her the best!
At The End
After toffee (a short film), Pinni and Quaranteen Crush, now the lady is producing another movie that narrates the story of the lives of urban women.
We salute Tahira for her courage, strength, and indomitable spirit on this mother’s day.
You are a true fighter!
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