The energy and vitality that personifies Nandita Das, social activist, actor, first-time director and now appointed as the Chairperson of the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI) was felt by all she interacted with at WWI yesterday. In the space of a few hours, Nandita met with Subhash Ghai, Chairman of WWI, had a quick-paced workshop along with Robert Reece (HOD and Curriculum Advisor for WWI Actors' Studio) and the faculty and students of the Acting department and an interactive session with all students following the screening of her sensitive yet hard-hitting film Firaaq (2009).

For an actor who, as she herself admitted to the students, "came to acting almost by default, not having been as privileged as all of you, who are being trained here at this Institute", she attributes the impact of her body of work - over 30 films in 10 different languages- which have transcended borders in their appeal, to being true to her own sensibilities. To the young actors of tomorrow, Nandita stressed "the importance of connecting with the story, and believing in the character to be portrayed."

She urged students to "be observant and connected to the realities of the world, which would in turn impact their work, be it in acting or other aspects of filmmaking." Her experiences on her journey as an actor, social activist and director, inspired the students, giving a new meaning to the term multi-tasking.And in her persona as Chairperson of the CFSI, she invited "bright and committed students at WWI to join hands with the CFSI in getting together to create wonderful films for children and make a difference."