The last few years have seen Indian films travel across borders to be feted at various film festivals and award shows around the world, and in some cases, even break the bank at foreign box offices beyond the diaspora. Be it mainstream offerings like RRR or Kill, or independent films like All We Imagine as Light or Songs of Forgotten Trees, Indian films are winning hearts worldwide. Actor Pankaj Tripathi, who has seen his fair share of cinema over the years, believes this shift is because of Indian writers and filmmakers returning to their roots.

“The core value of Indian emotion is empathy,” says the two-time National Award winner. “And then, our culture has so many festivals, across states and regions. So, when one incorporates that in stories, our culture, our emotions in an authentic manner, then that becomes global. That is the strength of Indian stories.”

Pankaj is appearing in an experimental film, Ohh My Dog, releasing this week. The film features a dog as the protagonist, with Pankaj and other veteran actors appearing in supporting roles. Talking about the film, he says, “There are people who don’t like dogs or animals. The issue is that they fear them. But once you get to understand the animal, the fear will leave your body. So, I hope that when people watch this film, they develop some empathy for pets and animals. These creatures have been living with us for thousands of years. Just understand them, and 99% of the problems will end.”