Maninee De on Her Compelling Role in ‘Raqs’: Exploring a Mother’s Grief, Guilt, and Silent Breakdown in a Hard-Hitting Short Film

Veteran actress Maninee De needs little introduction. With her enduring grace, exceptional talent, and remarkable versatility, she has captivated audiences across India throughout an illustrious journey spanning from the Miss India pageant to becoming a powerhouse performer on television, feature films, and the digital space.

Having left an indelible mark on cinematic hits like Krrish, Fashion, Student of the Year, and 7 1/2 Phere, alongside acclaimed web series such as Made in Heaven, Abhay, The Jengaburu Curse, and Campus Beats, Maninee is now gearing up for her next powerful outing. She will soon be seen in a hard-hitting short film titled Raqs, produced by Manbeena Sandhu and directed by Iqbaal Rizzvi.

Navigating Grief, Guilt, and Dual Responsibilities

Opening up about her emotionally demanding character in the film, Maninee shares a glimpse into the narrative:

"In Raqs, I play a widowed single mother to a young boy who is struggling to cope with the loss of her partner. She is trying to navigate her own grief while bringing up her child, taking on the responsibilities of both a mother and a father. She is doing everything in her capacity to provide for him and be a present parent. However, as the story progresses, she finds herself caught in a vicious cycle of self-hatred and helplessness because of what happens to her child while she is out trying to provide for their future."

Describing her contemporary, modern working-woman look, she emphasizes that the emotional weight of the character was immense, pointing out a particularly poignant moment in the film where the character experiences a profound, silent breakdown that drives her to seek professional therapy.

The Power of Short-Format Storytelling and a Crucial Message

Sharing her admiration for short-format cinema, Maninee notes how the genre demands razor-sharp execution:

"Personally, I have always loved short-format films. I believe it takes a special skill to communicate something meaningful and impactful within a limited duration. The writing, the visual treatment and the way a story is shot make this format particularly exciting."

Beyond its cinematic appeal, the actress highlights the deeper social crusade at the heart of Raqs:

"The subject of Raqs is important to humanity as a whole. It is our battle cry against one of the most heinous crimes committed against any living being, whether human or animal. It represents the complete degradation of human values and a deep-rooted sickness in society. Our endeavour is to create awareness, work towards prevention, encourage more people to join the fight, raise our collective voice, give victims a voice and send a strong warning to perpetrators."

A Collaborative Vision of Empathy and Strength

Reflecting on her experience working behind the scenes, Maninee expressed deep appreciation for the creative captaincy of the film:

"It was an absolute joy working with such a talented, empathetic and capable director, Iqbaal Rizzvi. His vision is simply incredible. As for our producer, Manbeena, she is not just a gifted writer but also a strong, grounded individual who sees beyond the human exterior. It was truly an honour and a pleasure to work with these two gems."

With its powerful subject matter and standout central performance by Maninee De, Raqs promises to leave a lasting impact on viewers when it hits the screen.