I always like to reveal the fact that the emperor has no clothes. And children are best at that. They teach us how to see the world in that sense. They are without artifice; they see it for what it is. I am drawn to that ruthless honesty.
Meaning of the quote
Children see the world as it really is, without trying to hide or cover up the truth. They can point out when something is not right, even if it's the powerful or important people who are doing it. The director Mira Nair is drawn to this kind of honest and direct way of seeing things, because it helps us understand the world better.
About Mira Nair
Mira Nair is an Indian-American filmmaker based in New York City. Her production company, Mirabai Films, specializes in films about Indian society and culture. She has directed critically acclaimed movies like Mississippi Masala, The Namesake, Monsoon Wedding, and Salaam Bombay!.
More quotes from Mira Nair
Truth is more peculiar than fiction. Life is really a startling place.
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I know what it’s like to be in one place and dream of another. I also know what it’s like to feel that nostalgia is a fairly useless thing because it is stasis.
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They say now in America that final cut doesn’t mean anything. As Harvey Weinstein said to some film-maker, ‘You can have final cut. I’ll open your film in Arkansas.’
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I want to question what the outside is and who defines it. I often find those that are considered to be on the outside extremely inspiring.
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It’s only at this age that I can say the word ‘art’ without flinching.
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I always like to reveal the fact that the emperor has no clothes. And children are best at that. They teach us how to see the world in that sense. They are without artifice; they see it for what it is. I am drawn to that ruthless honesty.
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I grew up in a very small town which is remote even by Indian standards. I always dreamed of the world.
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Never treat anything you do as a stepping stone. Do it fully, and follow it completely.
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I am an independent film-maker first and foremost. I have always cut my own cloth.
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