Veteran actress Jayati Bhatia believes cinema has the power to spark meaningful conversations and drive social awareness. Through the upcoming short film Condumb, produced by Janvi Doshi and Kaushik Thakkar, she hopes to draw attention to an often-overlooked issue that affects communities across all sections of society.
Bhatia's association with filmmaker Kaushik Thakkar began over a year ago through a devotional project for Kanha Universe. Their professional relationship later expanded with the digital food-based show Chatori Jayati, where their shared enthusiasm for storytelling and creativity strengthened their collaboration.
Speaking about her experience working with Thakkar, Jayati praised his commitment to creating content that goes beyond entertainment.
According to the actress, she was immediately drawn to Condumb when Thakkar first shared the concept with her. She felt the film addressed a real-life issue that many people encounter but rarely discuss openly.
“Working with Kaushik has been a wonderful experience. He is deeply passionate about his ideas and committed to telling stories that can create awareness. When he narrated the concept of Condumb, I instantly recognised how relevant the subject was because it reflects situations people experience in everyday life but often ignore,” she shared.
The relevance of the film's message became even more apparent to Jayati after a recent incident involving one of her close friends. She recalled how a doctor residing in a prominent Mumbai residential complex shared a photograph on social media showing a used condom that had been discarded from an upper-floor apartment and landed among the plants on his balcony.
For the actress, the incident served as a stark reminder that irresponsible behaviour can occur regardless of education, social status, or location.
She pointed out that if such situations can arise in highly regarded residential communities occupied by educated and affluent residents, it raises larger concerns about civic awareness and responsible conduct across society.
The experience reinforced her belief that the issue explored in Condumb is both relevant and necessary.
Jayati emphasized that civic responsibility extends beyond maintaining cleanliness within one's own home. It also involves respecting common spaces and understanding how individual actions can affect neighbours and the wider community.
According to her, awareness, hygiene, and mutual respect are fundamental values that should guide everyday behaviour. However, these basic principles are often neglected, resulting in inconveniences and discomfort for others.
Through its socially relevant narrative, Condumb aims to encourage audiences to reflect on their responsibilities as members of a community. The film highlights the importance of maintaining shared spaces, practising proper hygiene, and demonstrating consideration for others.
What makes the project particularly impactful, according to Jayati, is its relatable premise. Rather than focusing on an abstract social issue, the film addresses a problem that many people may have witnessed firsthand but rarely discuss publicly.
She hopes the short film will initiate conversations around civic sense and inspire viewers to adopt more responsible habits in their daily lives.
At a time when urban living increasingly depends on shared environments and collective accountability, Jayati believes films like Condumb can play an important role in encouraging positive behavioural change. By using storytelling as a medium for awareness, the project seeks to remind audiences that small acts of responsibility can contribute significantly to healthier and more respectful communities.
For Jayati Bhatia, the film is not merely a social message; it is a timely reminder that individual actions have consequences, and building a better society begins with everyday choices and mutual respect.
