Prayagraj: For acclaimed filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia, Allahabad is more than just a city—it is the place where his dreams first took shape, where classrooms gave him knowledge, and where experiences instilled values that would define his journey in cinema.
Speaking at the ‘Communique Fest 2025’ Motivational Talk Series hosted by the United Group of Institutions (UGI), Dhulia reflected on his formative years, crediting Allahabad not only for his education but also for shaping his worldview. “I am what I am today because of Allahabad.
Here, I did not just gain education, I found culture and values,” he said, his words carrying the weight of nostalgia and gratitude.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Dhulia transported the audience back to his college days, sharing anecdotes of a city that has always pulsed with intellectual energy and social vibrance. He recalled his involvement in cultural and socio-political activities, describing them as essential stepping stones in his creative growth.
While acknowledging that the city has changed over time, he emphasized that Allahabad’s soul—its atmosphere of learning, debate, and artistic spirit—remains intact. “The essence of this city has not faded,” he said, drawing warm applause from the crowd.
An Open Dialogue With Students
The filmmaker’s session turned into an engaging conversation as students eagerly asked questions about his cinematic journey, inspirations, and creative process. Dhulia answered with honesty, offering glimpses into the struggles and triumphs of a storyteller who has brought powerful narratives to life on screen.
At the end of the discussion, he was felicitated for his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema. The ceremony was attended by UGI Chairman Prof. Alok Kumar, Vice-Chairman Prof. Swatantra Srivastava, and Executive Director Prof. Rajeev Srivastava. A vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Sanjay Srivastava, and Dhulia was presented with a memento by Dr. Swatantra Srivastava as a mark of honor.
Passion for Content-Driven Cinema
Tigmanshu Dhulia shared that he has always been drawn toward content-driven films, believing that cinema’s true power lies in meaningful storytelling. While he acknowledged that films need not always deliver overt moral lessons, he underscored the importance of narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
Known for critically acclaimed works such as Haasil, Paan Singh Tomar, and the Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster series, Dhulia has earned a reputation as a filmmaker who blends realism with cinematic flair. Beyond films, he has also ventured into the world of web series, continuing to explore fresh avenues of storytelling.
For students, the session became more than a talk; it was an intimate glimpse into the mind of an artist who started his journey in the same city and went on to leave a lasting mark on Indian cinema.
#TigmanshuDhulia #IndianCinema #Allahabad #MotivationalTalk #FilmIndustry #ContentDrivenCinema #PaanSinghTomar #Haasil #SahebBiwiAurGangster #UnitedGroupOfInstitutions #CulturalRoots #Storytelling #CinemaAndSociety #CommuniqueFest2025