Nana Patekar Quotes

I think it's always good when you're able to, as an actor, allow your work to be some kind of a conduit for social discourse, and an examination of where we are, as a society.

My films are a reflection of the society I live in, what I see and observe.

Artists also have the responsibility of reflecting the truth.

A playwright has a responsibility in his society not to aid it, or comfort it, but to comment and criticize it.

I feel it's my social responsibility to shine a light on areas that don't get seen. My personal feeling is that it's an artist's responsibility to be engaged with the culture. And when the culture is going through turmoil, I think an artist can't ignore that. I don't feel that every artist has to be politically engaged, but I can't imagine that you can be an active participant of this culture and not in some way reflect that in the work you are creating.

Art reflects society. Cinema doesn't dictate - you portray what the society demands.

The entertainment industry is vast and is a reflection of the society we live in.

My role in society, or any artist's or poet's role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all.

I do have a responsibility, but I would make the most boring films in the world if I woke up every morning worrying about my social responsibility.

In life, we have two segments: arts and science. We need science to make our lives easier. But what do we live for? We enjoy life through arts. So it's an artistes duty to question the wrongs happening in the society.

The best kind of art or writing holds up a mirror to society.

I think I have a responsibility as a film-maker to bring not only controversial subject matter to the screen but also to inspire a thought process.

I sing what society lives in general.

I think it's the job of the artist to reflect the times and also reflect his or her views of the world.

Comics are just mirrors. People can either laugh at the reflection or be disgusted by it.

for me the novel is a social vehicle, it reflects society.

The artist's duty to himself is a combination of immense responsibility and immense irresponsibility. I think those two interlock.

How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?

What comes forth from you as an artist cannot be controlled. But you have responsibilities as a global citizen. Your history dictates your duty. And by writing about black people, you are not limiting yourself. The experiences of African-Americans are as wide open as God's closet.

I think the rap community always tells the truth. And I think that it's important that we listen to their voices so we can have a roadmap, because artists - almost every single artist in hip-hop, they paint a picture of society that's overlooked. The misogyny, the racism, the violence, the homophobia, these are things that we try to avoid instead of dealing with. All of that I see it so often.

It's an artist's choice to speak up about social issues, but I think it's really important, and my favorite artists have spoken out.

At this point, in 2008, if you put out a book, a movie, or write a verse, paint a painting, it should have some sort of social value.

The more the audience and the society trusts an actor, the more the responsibility increases for the actor.

What's demanded from us black creatives is both a blessing and a curse, because it pushes you to be your absolute best. You cannot be anything less.

As an artist, we have a big influence, and we should always think if we are doing more harm than good to our viewers. We should serve as a model to them.