The New Wave: Storytelling Through a Young Lens | Rwitobroto Mukherjee | TEDxIEM Salt Lake

Key Concepts:

• Storytelling as a lifelong journey
• Importance of honesty and integrity in creative work
• Collective creativity and collaboration
• Respect for everyone's stories
• Reimagining the world with honesty
• The power of a smile and human connection

1. Introduction and Personal Background

• Rto Mukharji introduces himself as an actor and an "artisan" – someone still practicing and learning the craft of being an artist. He emphasizes the love for the process of becoming an artist.
• He is also a student of comparative literature from Jadavpur University, highlighting his interest in academics.
• He expresses his belief in collaborative creativity and thanks TEDex and IM for providing the platform to share his thoughts.
• He clarifies that he is not a motivational speaker but will share stories and ideas.

2. Early Influences and the Importance of Family

• Mukharji grew up in an environment immersed in theater, performance, and creativity due to his father being an actor.
• He was surrounded by stories from people from all walks of life, fostering his desire to be a storyteller.
• He recounts winning a fancy dress competition as a police officer in third standard and participating in storytelling competitions from a young age.
• His parents and family nurtured his interest without forcing him, emphasizing the importance of giving 110% to whatever he does.
• His father explained hard work and passion in banking terms: "Whatever is your principal amount with interest with simple interest with compound interest, you will get that back."
• He was taught to never insult anyone's journey and to respect everyone's stories.

3. Theater Beginnings and Collective Work

• Mukharji started working in theater at the age of four and a half, with his first play being Utpal Dutt's Shujikar.
• He loved the adrenaline rush of performing on stage.
• He received immense love and care from his theater group, Natanun, where he was considered "everybody's child" and learned to work collectively.

4. Transition to Film: Kahaani and Open Tee Bioscope

• In 2010, he got an audition call for the Hindi film Kahaani starring Vidya Balan.
• He was selected for the role of "running hot water Vishnu," marking his first professional work with the camera.
• He expresses gratitude for Kahaani, calling it one of the most intense Indian thrillers and appreciating its portrayal of Kolkata.
• Kahaani helped him find his voice to tell stories and imagine things.
• In 2013, he starred in Open Tee Bioscope, which became a cult classic. He describes the shoot as a picnic with friends.

5. Directing and Filmmaking

• Mukharji wanted to explore storytelling beyond performance and started directing.
• At 13, he wrote his first original play (adapted from a story by Sunil Gangopadhyay) and staged it with friends.
• At 15, he made his first short film, Bumper, which was selected at the Kolkata International Film Festival in 2017 and other prestigious festivals.
• He has ventured into producing, writing, and directing advertisements, corporate films, and brand films.
• He formed a company with creative professionals to create content.

6. The Storytelling Bug and the Power of Imagination

• The "storytelling bug" has been with him since childhood and continues to drive him.
• He believes in constantly imagining and finding stories in everyday life.
• He emphasizes the richness of creative minds in Kolkata and West Bengal.

7. The Importance of Honesty and Humanity

• He stresses the importance of honesty and truth in storytelling and all work.
• He believes that the biggest field is the "field of humanity" and that it is our job to amplify the voices of those whose stories are not being told.
• He encourages reimagining everything with honesty, including friendships, families, and relationships with colleagues.

8. The Power of a Smile and Human Connection

• He hopes to be remembered for bringing a smile to people's faces.
• He emphasizes the power of a smile and the influence one can have on others' lives.
• He encourages exchanging smiles and offering help to those in need.

9. Conclusion

• Mukharji expresses gratitude to TEDex, IM, the audience, and everyone who made the event possible.
• He hopes to return with more stories and encourages continued support for performances and creative endeavors.
• The main takeaway is to reimagine everything with honesty and to recognize the power of storytelling to connect with others and make a positive impact on the world.