About The Event
Documentary Film Screenings
The Reality Check film series promotes and encourages documentary filmmakers in India, whose work reflects life and culture in the country today in a thoughtful blend of creativity and integrity.
Chowk University Ka Vice Chancellor
Hindi with English Subtitles (90 mins)
Prominent writer Amritlal Nagar’s life embodies one of the most remarkable creative journeys in modern Hindi literature. In a world driven by ambition, he chose the pursuit of inner truth—walking away from a promising film career and employment at All India Radio to embrace the uncertain freedom of a writer’s life, declaring, “I cannot live in a cage.”
This freedom came at a cost. His fearless portrayal of the Bhangi community provoked outrage at the highest levels, yet Nagar refused to compromise. His writing defended dignity, challenged power and expanded the moral and emotional scope of Hindi literature.
From the vibrant lanes of Chowk in Lucknow, his words transcended boundaries, transforming deeply local stories into universal human experiences. This film captures the spirit of a restless, uncompromising artiste—a rebel, a humanist and a writer who remained true to his own voice.
Directed by Savita Sharma Nagar & Rajesh Amrohi
Written, Photographed & Edited by Rajesh Amrohi
Produced by Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts
The screening will be followed by a Q&A session.
An NCPA Presentation in collaboration with Cinema Collective
Entry free on a first come, first served basis.
