Happy Birthday Mummyji

Shefali Shah is one actress whose presence is so commanding that even if the film ran over a feature-length duration, it would probably be equally satisfying. In one of her interviews, she said that she is an actor and not a star. If I met her, I'd tell her that, having seen her in, say, Delhi Crime, and witnessed her imperious presence, charisma, and natural ability to hold viewers' attention at every point, if that isn't being a star, I don't know what a star is. In my book there can't be great actors who aren't stars (while the opposite is quite possible, of course), as the core motive of the performing arts, of standing in front of the camera and convincing your viewers requires not only skilled technique but first and foremost charisma and presence.

Indeed, it is this combination which makes great actors, and Shah unquestionably is one such actress. Her ability to say so much by saying so little and sometimes not saying anything at all is admirably impressive. And that's what she does here in her self-directed short Happy Birthday Mummyji, a beautifully shot film based in a luxurious home. The lead heroine, a busy housewife, is left home alone following a sudden national lockdown, which immediately cancels a birthday party she has been putting a lot of effort into. While initially upset, she gradually grows to find the experience of having some time for herself not bad at all, and she makes the best of her time for herself. A nice message is nicely conveyed through Shah's wonderfully natural performance.