Suhasini Mulay Discusses Press Freedom and Cinema at Gauhati Press Club

Suhasini Mulay, a celebrated actress and filmmaker, recently visited the Gauhati Press Club, where she engaged with journalists on pressing issues such as media freedom and the evolution of cinema. During her talk, she expressed concerns about the current state of press freedom, the implications of changes to the RTI Act, and the dual nature of cinema in today's political landscape. Mulay's candid reflections on her career and the challenges facing journalists today provide a thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of art and activism.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 09:14 IST

Suhasini Mulay Engages with Journalists

Guwahati, Jan 16: The Gauhati Press Club recently welcomed renowned actress and documentary filmmaker Suhasini Mulay as its ‘Guest of the Month’.

During the event, the five-time national award-winning artist engaged with local journalists in a discussion led by Khagen Kalita, a senior journalist and the president of the GPC.

Mulay shared insights about her upbringing, her mother, the distinguished film historian and documentary filmmaker Vijaya Mulay, and her educational experiences in Canada. She also reflected on her varied roles in both commercial and independent cinema.

In addition to her artistic contributions, Mulay is recognized for her outspoken views on various issues. She opened the session by addressing the current threats to press freedom.

“Today, media freedom is facing significant challenges; I feel very strongly about this. We are at a point where those who do not conform are dealt with harshly. Journalists face arrest for simply asking questions, and individuals are detained for participating in protests. I believed I was living in a democracy where questioning and discussion were encouraged, but that no longer seems to be the case,” she expressed.

Mulay also voiced her concerns regarding amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which she believes will undermine governmental transparency, a vital component of a functioning democracy.

Having spent over forty years in the film industry, Mulay expressed her satisfaction with how cinema has become more accessible due to digital media.

“With smartphones in everyone's hands, everyone has the opportunity to express their views, whether positive or negative, making this an exciting era. The entire populace can voice their opinions,” she remarked.

During the discussion, she reminisced about how filmmaker Jahnu Barua approached her for his film Aparoopa.

“We frequently met outside film studios. He was living with Kulbhushan Kharbanda at a PG, and I encountered him there often. Aparoopa was financed by NFDC, and back then, it took considerable time for funds to be released. By the time Jahnu was ready to film, his lead actress became unavailable due to pregnancy. That’s when he reached out to me. My only question was about the filming location, and upon hearing it was Assam, I immediately agreed. I was eager to visit Assam,” Mulay recounted.

She also discussed the dual nature of cinema, highlighting the divide between commercial and parallel films. However, she expressed disappointment that commercial cinema has become increasingly political.

“Religious dominance has become prevalent, and there is a disturbing portrayal of violence, both mental and physical. Additionally, there is a significant issue regarding the ‘otherization’ of indigenous peoples and minorities, not just Muslims but all minority groups,” she concluded.