When speaking of the world’s most prestigious and historically rich international film festivals, Venice invariably finds itself in the esteemed second position, right after the illustrious Cannes. It’s truly uplifting to learn that the only Indian movie to grace this esteemed event, ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’, garnered instant praise at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, which took place in the beautiful city of Venice from August 27 to September 6. The film captivated audiences and critics alike, clinching the prestigious Best Director award upon its debut in the Orizzonti section of the festival’s competitive category. Anuparna Roy became the first Indian to win this honour in the section. It is particularly gratifying that the film features an Assamese artiste named Naaz Shaikh, a gifted young performer hailing from Dampur in Hajo in the lead. Her remarkable representation of the protagonist in the film ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’, her first foray into the world of cinema, showcased her ability to embody a complex character that tested the limits of her artistic abilities, garnering her acclaim that transcends international boundaries.
During her formative years, Naaz experienced a rather difficult upbringing within the confines of a traditional Muslim family, entirely devoid of any ties or associations to the glittering world of show business. Her father, Abdul Ali, a skilled carpenter, toiled to provide for his large family of six children. Tragedy struck in Naaz’s early twenties when she lost both her beloved parents. Naaz, harbouring dreams of being a film actress from a young age, secured an educational loan and pursued her studies in fashion technology in vibrant Bengaluru, where she also showcased her modeling talents to finance her education. She graced more than 50 dazzling fashion shows, including the vibrant Bangalore Fashion Week, and starred in captivating campaigns for renowned brands such as PepsiCo, Amazon, and Taneira. In 2022, Naaz made a courageous decision to resign from her stable position at Shahi Exports in Bengaluru and relocate to Mumbai. By a stroke of good fortune, she secured a part in the theatrical production ‘Boski Ke Kaptan Chacha’, written by Gulzar and helmed by Salim Arif. The opportunity served as her stepping stone, propelling her towards minor engagements in television and modeling for commercial campaigns, as well as minor roles in diverse television series such as ‘Savdhaan India’.
The inception of her cinematic career can be traced back to her involvement at the Mumbai division of Seagull Theatre, led by Baharul Islam, where she underwent training and actively participated in a succession of workshops, refining her abilities under the guidance of renowned personalities in the domain of theatrical arts. In December 2023, Naaz, prompted by an invitation from her long-time friend and director Anuparna Roy, auditioned for the film titled ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’. Impressed by the audition, Naaz was subsequently cast in the leading role of the protagonist in the film.
In ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’, Naaz portrays an Assamese girl whose memories and spirit are intricately entwined with the sound of an old folk tune. This enchanting melody was, in reality, a lullaby sung by her mother during Naaz’s childhood, a treasured legacy that gracefully entered the realm of global cinema. Naaz didn’t merely perform the part; she fully inhabited it. She eloquently expressed in Assamese, sang sweetly in her native language, and wove the spirit of Assam into a tale that crossed oceans. She served as a conduit for cultural exchange, enchanting audiences worldwide with the melodies of her heritage.
The central theme of Anuparna Roy’s debut feature film revolves around female camaraderie and support. Thooya, portrayed by Naaz, is a migrant and an aspiring actress in Mumbai who resorts to sex work as a means of survival. Not merely as a compromise or a struggle, but also as a tool for exerting control over men. She has a nuanced and delicate, yet resilient relationship with her roommate Shweta, a migrant like herself, played by Sumi Baghel. A central obstacle she faces is the deep-seated bitterness she holds towards her father for the immense suffering he caused her mother. With unwavering commitment, she eagerly shows up for her therapy sessions, striving to uphold her independence and pursue self-fulfillment and success.
To fully embody their roles, Naaz, her co-actor, and the director lived together for two months, immersing themselves completely in their characters. Interestingly, Anuparna Roy filmed the entire movie secretly in the apartment they rented to live in. Naaz Shaikh, deeply connected to her Assamese heritage, dreams of gracing the screens of Assamese cinema in the future. Her remarkable odyssey from being the daughter of a carpenter in Dampur to becoming a renowned figure at the prestigious Venice film festival epitomises qualities of tenacity, bravery, and unwavering belief in oneself.
