Nila Madhab Panda turns producer; making first Bollywood film with a social message

Filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda, known for his films like I am Kalam and Jalpari has turned producer and is making a feature-length Bollywood film titled Kaun Hai Kitne Paani Mein. The film will highlight the issues of water access and sanitation. The project is being produced in partnership with One Drop. One Drop uses a unique approach involving water access, financial inclusion and social arts in order to ensure the sustainability of interventions. Said One Drop Chief International Program Officer, Danielle Valiquette, "A big challenge in the water sector is the failure of water access projects due to a lack of behavioral change- neglect of wells, safe water becoming contaminated, or continued poor hygiene practices." "We are extremely excited as this film is the largest social arts initiative we've embarked on since it has the potential to reach millions in an innovative and entertaining way," she added. In India, 128 million people are deprived of safe water and 839 million more live without basic sanitation. It is the first time ever that rural villagers in the State of Odisha, one of the poorest in India and where the film is set, will be able to recognize their own traditional folk music and choreography, landscapes, and neighbours in mainstream Indian cinema, instilling a sense of pride and emotional connection. The film stars Kunal Kappor, Radhika Apteym, Gulshan Grover and Saurabh Shukla among many others.