Kochi: “When I was young, my dream was very simple. I wanted to be a banker, ride a two-wheeler and have a hundred men waiting for my instructions and calling me Madam.” With that honest memory, Suhasini Maniratnam connected instantly with students at the Summit of the Future 2026 at Jain University.
At the fireside chat titled Power of Dialogue, Communication, Culture and Connection, moderated by Prof Venu Rajamony, she spoke about growing up in a small town where women were often marginalised. “Seeing that inequality made me want dignity, not dominance,” she said.
Entering the film industry at just seventeen, Suhasini went on to become India’s first woman cinematographer. “On most film sets, there were one or two hundred men and I was the only woman. That taught me discipline and confidence very early,” she recalled.
She also reflected on writing dialogues for the landmark film Iruvar. “Dialogue is not just words. It comes from observation, research and empathy,” she said, adding that understanding people matters more than personal experience alone.
Her message to young women drew loud applause. “Do not lose your courage. Fight for your role. Sit across from power and speak up,” she urged. “I wish I had done more of that when I was younger.”
Beyond cinema, Suhasini spoke about social responsibility, civic engagement and the importance of families talking without screens. “The future often begins at the dining table,” she said.
Looking ahead to 2051, she expressed a strong belief in progress. “Science will move forward, women will have equal status and society will evolve,” she said, before offering a gentle reminder. “We must also hold on to compassion, empathy and togetherness.”
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