Meghna Gulzar On Why Non-Fiction Keeps Her ‘Real’, Not Cynical

MUMBAI — Indian filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming crime thriller ‘Daayra’, says consuming non-fiction does not make her cynical but keeps her grounded in reality.

Gulzar said that while reading non-fiction can disappoint and depress her at times, it also helps her stay connected to the real world.

“No, I think it keeps me real. Does it disappoint me and depress me from time to time? Of course it does. But it also keeps you real,” she said.

The filmmaker added that she does consume fiction as well, particularly when she wants to escape into fantasy, science fiction or romance. But when it comes to what she turns to for intellectual nourishment, she prefers non-fiction.

“Yes, it’s not like I don’t consume fiction. I do. Sometimes I do want to escape into a fantasy or a sci-fi adventure or a romance. I do. But I think to feed the mind, I go towards non-fiction,” she said.

Gulzar made the comments ahead of the September 18 theatrical release of ‘Daayra’, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The crime thriller explores justice, power and the grey areas within law enforcement, with Kapoor Khan playing a complex, morally conflicted character.

Directed by Gulzar and produced by Vineet Jain under the banner of Junglee Pictures, the film marks another issue-oriented project from the filmmaker, whose previous films include ‘Talvar’, ‘Raazi’ and ‘Sam Bahadur’. ‘Daayra’ is scheduled to release in theatres on September 18, 2026. (IANS)