Bengaluru: The Public Relations Office of St. Joseph’s University successfully hosted Open Heart 2026, welcoming acclaimed actor Kalyani Priyadarshan as the Chief Guest. The event created a vibrant platform for dialogue, bringing together students, faculty, and guests for an engaging session on cinema, creativity, and personal growth.
Meaningful Dialogue and Student Engagement
Open Heart, one of the University’s flagship speaker series, continues to foster conversations that connect young minds with accomplished personalities from diverse fields. The 2026 edition upheld this tradition, offering participants an opportunity to engage with the Chief Guest’s experiences and reflections on storytelling, representation, and perseverance in the film industry.
The session blended personal anecdotes with professional insights, creating an interactive atmosphere that encouraged curiosity and aspiration among students.
Insights from the Film Industry
In her Open Heart talk, Kalyani Priyadarshan shared that her mother played a significant role in motivating her to pursue a career in cinema. She expressed her desire to be involved in filmmaking in any capacity—both behind and in front of the camera—emphasising the importance of versatility.
Encouraging students to explore multiple skills, she highlighted the value of being a “jack of all trades to become a master of one.” Reflecting on her formative influences, she mentioned reading Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle, which nurtured her imagination and shaped her understanding of storytelling.
Discussing her work in Lokah, she spoke about the concept of superheroes rooted in Indian culture and noted how the project offered a nuanced portrayal of women. She underlined the importance of women’s perspectives in writing and cinema, advocating for more inclusive storytelling.
Advice to Young Aspirants
Addressing students aspiring to enter creative fields, she advised practising patience, trusting the creative process, and using social media constructively for growth and visibility. She also shared personal reflections on maintaining balance in life, mentioning Corner House as one of her favourite places—highlighting the importance of staying grounded while pursuing ambitious goals.
Open Heart 2026 once again reaffirmed St. Joseph’s University’s commitment to nurturing informed, inspired, and socially conscious individuals through meaningful engagement and dialogue.
