All We Imagine As Light couldn’t win Golden Globes for best director or best international film. However Payal Kapadia has made history by being the first Indian director to be nominated for a Golden Globe.
I spoke spoke to the super talented Divya Prabha who plays the restless curious Anu in All We Imagine As Light minutes after the Golden Globe announcement.
Says Divya, “Payal’s nomination is a historic moment for Indian cinema and women filmmakers everywhere. Being nominated is a huge achievement in itself, regardless of what the outcome was. Seeing an Indian on the Golden Globe red carpet is truly inspiring and opens doors for many more to follow. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”
Commenting on the why All We Imagine As Light has stunned the world Divya says, “I would say Payal’s unique craft, which truly stands out. The writing is another strength, as she fully owns her authorship, creating a narrative that feels personal and authentic. The film’s local and grounded nature adds to its universal appeal … and I believe when a story is deeply rooted in its local context, it often resonates more broadly on an international level.”
Earlier, the Malayali actres who came into her own with All We Imagine As Light, couldn’t be in a better place. “2024 marked a milestone in my career. It’s been 10 years since I started working in cinema, but this year, I truly felt a sense of accomplishment. The film brought me recognition and respect as an artist, and it made me more confident than ever before. I’m incredibly grateful for that. 2024 has been a transformative chapter in my life. I would call it a magical year, largely because of the journey our film All We Imagine As Light took me on. Yes, All We Imagine As Light has been life-changing for me, both personally and professionally. On a personal level, I travelled extensively this year, immersing myself in different cultures and exploring new places. Traveling has always broadened my perspective.The highlights of my year were attending Cannes for the first time, traveling to Italy just to explore the artistic side of the place, and, of course, the memorable time I spent with my amazing crew members. Payal Kapadia, in particular, was a special highlight—she truly made the experience unforgettable.”
All We Imagine As Light has made Divya a cautious actor. “I will do my best to avoid choosing anything ordinary. However, for survival, sometimes we have to take on projects that are more conventional but come with good financial support. Nonetheless, I will ensure that I take on at least one extraordinary project each year. At least one per year.”
Divya has no regrets about the year that has gone by. “I genuinely have none. Every experience this year has shaped me in some way, and I embrace it all. I just wrapped up shooting Sarkeet, directed by Thamar co-starring Asif Ali , Deepak Parambol and some more interesting actors. I’m eagerly looking forward to its release. In January and February, I’ll be shooting two new films, which I’m very excited about. I’m also looking forward to portraying more diverse and challenging characters in 2025.”
