Bollywood’s Wordsmith Atika Chohan Inspires with Her Storytelling Secrets

Bollywood screenwriter Atika Chohan captivated audiences with her masterclass on persuasive storytelling as part of the Book Box series. Known for her socially impactful films like Margarita With a Straw and Guilty, Chohan shared insights into her journey as a storyteller and her activist approach to writing. Here are the key highlights:

 

Key Highlights:

Challenging Norms: Atika began her session by questioning why she was invited instead of a mainstream horror film writer, immediately engaging the audience with her provocative style.

 

Personal Influences: She revealed how her turbulent childhood, marked by familial struggles, shaped her rebellious and fiery storytelling style. Her early love for James Hadley Chase novels also added layers to her narrative techniques.

 

Breaking Into Bollywood: Atika shared an anecdote about bluffing her way into Yash Raj Studios, which eventually led to her first scriptwriting opportunity. Her audacity and determination were key to making her mark in the industry.

 

Purposeful Storytelling: From Chhapaak to Margarita With a Straw, Chohan emphasized that storytelling is a tool for social change, aiming to challenge stereotypes and spark conversations about pressing issues.

 

Advice for Aspiring Writers: She recommended essential books like On Writers and Writing by Margaret Atwood and Writing the Character-Centered Screenplay by Andrew Horton for those looking to hone their craft.

 

Atika concluded by urging future business leaders to greenlight meaningful projects, leaving attendees inspired to use storytelling as a force for transformation.

 

Source: Hindustan Times