Delhi’s the city I love: Nila Madhab Panda

Nila Madhab Panda, the director who shot to fame with his first feature film 'I Am Kalam' that received many national and international awards. In a candid chat with TOI, he talks to us about his love for Delhi, and why he doesn’t like post-release parties.
Struggle in Delhi
Nila Madhab Panda said, "Instead of going to Mumbai, I came to Delhi to struggle and people asked me why I didn’t go to the city of dreams.You can do things only if your heart and soul permits you. I can’t compromise to do films. I don’t want to start to fall. I don’t want Rs 100 crore for a film that I can do in Rs 10 lakh. So, this is the only city I love actually. I am in Delhi most of the time. I am based in Delhi, but half of the time, because of work I have to be in Mumbai or London. But when I am not working I am at home in Delhi."
"I don’t like to party"
"As an artist, I value my freedom. The moment I finish a film, I am out of it. I release the film on Friday and leave for Delhi on Saturday. People do third day party, pack-up party, and many other parties. I am sorry, but I don’t have time for these things. I have very little time in life and I have to do a lot of things in that short span. That doesn’t mean I don’t like socializing or meeting people. I like interacting but I can’t waste time. I would rather give that time to my art. I try to utilize time in a different way. Also, I have a small child and I need to give time to my child as well," the director told TOI.