National Award-winning actress Anjali Patil, who plays the lead role in the web series "Hutatma" based on the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, says rational thinking is one of the important practice of a progressive society, but it is one that we are lagging behind in the present time.
The web series' story is based on the book "Hutatma", set in 1960 when the historical movement took place for the demand of a Marathi speaking state in independent India.
Sharing her thought of how the idea of a democratic and united India has evolved over a period of time, Anjali told IANS here: "Sometimes I get scared thinking that are we regressing? When I was shooting for the 1956 period during the shooting of 'Hutatma', I so could see how back then, the freedom of speech and expression was practiced.
"Back then, much rational thinking was practiced than what we are doing now, and that is an integral part of a democratic country.
"People were fearless, driven by certain values and before forming opinions, they used to cross check facts. Presently, the whole scene of misleading information and negative opinion formation is happening because we are not searching the truth, and rather just believing what we are just serve."
As her character for the show was very intense, Anjali felt the process was very emotionally taxing.
"It opened me up as an individual," said the actress, who plays a young girl who becomes a part of the movement following a personal loss.
"It was such a joy playing the character of Vidyut, a young simple middle-class girl, who loves to watch Raj Kapoor's film, play with her friends and siblings, study in college...quite untouched from the troubled situation of the movement.
"And then, when the agitation starts, her father is shot dead before her eyes… Her world turns upside down and from there, her journey of life changes completely. The emotional graph of my character is very interesting," added the "Newton" famed actress.
Directed by Jayprad Desai, "Hutatma" also features Vaibhav Tatwawaadi, Abhay Mahajan, Ashwini Kalsekar, Mohan Agashe and Sachin Khedekar to name a few.
The show's narrative features many strong female characters.
"I think that is a misconception that back in those days women were not as strong as they are today. In our show, we have tried to capture how women from every walk of life have contributed to the movement. And it is true, that the freedom movement of India was not just about men, there is a substantial contribution of female freedom fighters.
"Maybe we are talking more about feminism and strong women's voice currently, but such practice has existed forever," Anjali added.
Even after working in films like "Naa Bangaaru Talli", "Newton", "Kaala" and "Mere Pyare Prime Minister", what keeps Anjali away from commercial cinema?
"Perhaps I am away from such commercial offers because I look for details in everything that I do... I do not want to sound like a snooty person, but I cannot do things that are not nuanced. My life is not separate from my belief in art and the beauty of life and art lies in one common element - detailing," she said.
"Hutatma" will start streaming on OTT platform ZEE5 from May 1.