Tanishaa Mukerji Recalls the Golden Era of Indian Cinema, Emphasizes the Need for Soulful Storytelling
Mumbai — Actress Tanishaa Mukerji, a member of one of Bollywood’s most celebrated film families, recently reflected on the transformation of Indian cinema — from a shared cultural tradition to what she now calls “a luxury experience.”
Speaking about the evolution of the movie-watching culture, Tanishaa said, “There was a time when going to the movies was a celebration for the whole family—not just a luxury experience.” She lamented the loss of that era, when cinema brought together generations, from children to grandparents, offering stories that could be enjoyed collectively.
As the granddaughter of Padma Shri Sashadhar Mukherjee — the founder of the iconic Filmalaya Studios — and daughter of veteran actress Tanuja, Tanishaa carries the legacy of Indian cinematic storytelling in her veins. Her upbringing was surrounded by timeless films like Anarkali, Munimji, and Paying Guest — movies she believes had genuine emotional depth.
“Those films had soul. They told stories that touched your heart—without needing to shock the audience or rely on controversy to sell tickets,” she remarked. “I want to be a part of cinema like that again. Classic emotions, but in a modern package.”
Beyond cinema, Tanishaa is known for her distinct fashion sensibilities. She believes that style should reflect individuality rather than trends or labels. “Fashion should be personal. It’s not about labels or trends—it’s about what makes you feel confident and comfortable,” she explained. “True style is wearing your personality with pride. I love experimenting, but at the end of the day—comfort is key.”
Tanishaa also opened up about the lessons she’s learned in her acting career, highlighting the importance of self-awareness. “As artistes, we tend to trust our gut feeling. Sometimes it's right and sometimes it’s not — and that’s a part of everyone’s life,” she said.
Acknowledging past mistakes, she shared how blind trust in people and their visions didn’t always yield positive outcomes. “There were times where I used to believe in people and their so-called visions and I would go with the flow. Unfortunately, that belief hasn’t done much good to me. I’ve been let down after trusting people and their words.”
With experience and growth, Tanishaa says she’s evolved both personally and professionally. Now, she’s more selective about the opportunities she pursues. “I want to utilize my time and energy only in those avenues where there’s complete clarity.”
The actress is now focused on being part of projects that reflect sincerity and depth, qualities she feels are often missing in today’s content-driven industry. As cinema continues to evolve, Tanishaa’s voice adds to the growing call for a return to authentic storytelling and inclusive experiences that connect with the heart of India.