NEW DELHI: At this year’s Marché du Film, held during the iconic Cannes Film Festival, a deeply moving documentary titled I Am, I Can by director Ajay Chitnis was screened to an international audience.
The film, centered on the multifaceted life of Minu Bakshi, is a tribute to a woman who has seamlessly woven together roles as a singer, poet, professor, author, and philanthropist crafting a journey defined by passion, resilience, and purpose. Screened at Palais B on May 14, the documentary formed part of India’s presence at Cannes, represented by the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA).
The film’s inclusion at one of the world’s most prestigious film markets reflected growing interest in stories rooted in Indian cultural identity yet universal in their emotional impact.
Minu Bakshi: A Voice of Art and Empowerment
In the film, I Am, I Can – Ajay Chitnis charts Minu Bakshi’s inspiring trajectory — from her early fascination with Urdu poetry, influenced by the legendary Begum Akhtar, to her exploration of Punjabi folk music and later collaborations with contemporary artists like Mika Singh. Her work defies categories: she brings classical sensibilities to modern formats, intellectual depth to musical performance, and a raw honesty to every poetic line.
What emerges from the documentary is not only a portrait of an artist, but of a woman who dared to create a life of her own design. Her poetry — bold, intimate, and direct — has drawn admiration from some of India’s most celebrated voices, including Shabana Azmi, Sharmila Tagore, Muzaffar Ali, and Javed Akhtar, each lauding her authenticity and artistic courage.
The film positions her story as an inspiration for women, encouraging them to pursue their passions, assert their voices, and define success on their own terms. It also quietly acknowledges the importance of emotional support from loved ones, especially the role her husband played in standing beside her through every phase of her journey.
The Film and Its Journey to Cannes
Directed by Ajay Chitnis, I Am, I Can brings Minu Bakshi’s layered story to life with sensitivity and clarity. Known for his work across diverse biographical subjects, Chitnis has created over 100 documentaries across his career, several of which have been recognized nationally and internationally. His approach here is restrained yet sincere — allowing Bakshi’s words, music, and actions to lead the narrative.
Rather than inserting a heavy directorial presence, the film quietly observes and reflects, focusing on Bakshi’s inner world and the cultural landscape she has shaped. This choice aligns with the spirit of the Marché du Film itself — a space where authentic, compelling human stories resonate deeply with audiences and distributors alike.
Chitnis’s inclusion in the Indian delegation at Cannes and the screening arranged under the IMPPA umbrella offered I Am, I Can a valuable international platform — one that many independent or culturally rooted films rarely receive. The film’s presence there wasn’t just symbolic; it allowed Bakshi’s story to speak to viewers from diverse backgrounds, inviting conversations about heritage, gender, and personal transformation.
