Renowned Actor Ratna Pathak Shah Inspires at FICCI FLO Hyderabad Session on Storytelling and Craft Revival

Acclaimed actor, theatre stalwart, and art enthusiast Ratna Pathak Shah captivated an audience of over 250 members of the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) Hyderabad Chapter at ITC Kohenur, Madhapur, during a compelling session titled “Crafting Characters, Shaping Stories.”

The session opened with remarks from Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad, who emphasized the transformative power of storytelling. “Stories transcend borders and generations. They foster empathy, shape perspectives, and connect us to a shared human experience,” she said.

Highlighting one of FLO Hyderabad’s flagship initiatives, Kunda announced the organization's commitment to reviving Dokra Art—a 4,000-year-old metal casting tradition from Adilabad. “We are not just preserving heritage—we are evolving it. Through design intervention and market linkages, we aim to reimagine Dokra as functional, contemporary art,” she stated, acknowledging support from the district administration, including Sri Rajarshi Shah, IAS, and Smt. Khushboo Gupta, IAS.

A curated collection of Dokra products was showcased at the venue, where Ratna Pathak Shah unveiled a specially crafted memento celebrating Telangana’s rich artisan legacy. Artisans Shri Bhujanga Rao and Smt. Girijha Bai were honoured during the launch.

In a thought-provoking conversation with Kunda, Shah reflected on her journey with storytelling, her aversion to celebrity culture, and the power of clarity in communication. “Acting has allowed me to live a thousand lives without formally studying them,” she said. She also spoke passionately about the entrepreneurial spirit behind the theatre company she co-founded with husband Naseeruddin Shah, the irreplaceable nature of live performance, and the enduring need for human connection.

Touching on her advocacy for artisans and handloom weavers, Shah said, “Handcrafted work carries generational wisdom. It’s our responsibility to support these traditions before they vanish.” She encouraged the audience to embrace handmade over branded products and stressed the importance of integrating arts education into school curricula.

Referencing the critically acclaimed film Thappad, Shah emphasized the urgent need for societal change around domestic violence, adding, “Changing attitudes remains our greatest challenge.”

Concluding the session, she left the audience with a resonant message:“Don’t pull the ladder up after you’ve reached the top.”

The event underscored FLO Hyderabad’s commitment to empowering women, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering meaningful dialogue around craft, identity, and social change.