Author Mihir Chitre documents the evolution of Indian screenwriting

Mihir Chitre compiled a collection of 33 interviews with Indian screenwriters for the Hindustan Times to highlight the role of writers in the film industry.

The collection, titled Screenwriters Inc., explores the careers of prominent figures from the 20th and 21st centuries. Chitre aims to bring attention to screenwriters who often remain invisible to the public despite their influence on major films. The interviews reveal how the profession has changed since the 1980s and 1990s.

Veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali notes that writing contracts were unheard of during those decades, and screenwriting was often treated as an add-on to filmmaking rather than a distinct profession. Some writers, including Sai Paranjpye, shared stories of early financial struggles and the difficulties faced by women in the industry. The book also tracks shifts in social attitudes and technology.

Screenwriter Onir discussed the censorship challenges of his 2017 film Shab, while Ishita Moitra noted that online streaming platforms have created more opportunities for diverse creators. The writers describe Mumbai as a central hub where they experimented with their craft, often moving from small towns to the city to find a path into the film world.