Henna Brings Color

Filmmaker: Monika Chourasia Duration: 1 min, 53 sec Size: 2.05 MB Language: Hindi with subtitles in English Viewing Tip: If the video is choppy, please wait for the entire video file to download, then select the play button again.

Commentary

The film maker’s artistic skills are evident when seeing photographs of her designs or watching her applying henna on a woman’s hand. However, her story highlights something far more important. The value of hard work and self-reliance. It is not easy for a woman raised in a sheltered, conservative environment to rebel against the parents’ wishes. But Monika was determined to pursue her dreams. Her strong voice communicates both her passion and her determination. The film is an inspiration to women looking to find their true passion against all odds.

Text Transcript of Audio Track

I never took any art class in school. But just by observing others I learned how to apply henna. Gradually, I began earning money by applying henna. I became so well known in my neighborhood for this, that whenever someone wanted henna applied, they would come to me. I even got an opportunity to travel by airplane to Agra to apply henna but my parents did not let me go. They wanted me to pursue a job that would be respected in society. But I felt a storm within. I decided I would only pursue what my heart wanted me to. I would prove through my hard work that no job is small or big, only a person’s thinking is small or big.

By the grace of God, things turned out well. I worked for 16 to 18 hours every day and with my earnings I completed by bachelor’s course. Today, I have earned enough money to start a small business. Even after marriage, I did not stop applying henna because it is henna that has brought color to my life. Today Monika is known not as her parents’ daughter but people know her mother and father as Monika's parents.

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