Mira Nair talks about the obstacles she has faced

Doha: Friday proved to be an eventful day for the Doha Tribeca Film Festival with two acclaimed directors - Mira Nair and Martin Scorsese — addressing the festival goers.

In a question-and-answer session, Nair spoke at length about her experience of being a female Indian director and her inspirations. "I am a people person and I always want to remain a student of life. The truth is often stranger and more powerful than fiction. It's been a tough journey. In India, I was considered a weird novelty, while abroad I was considered a complete novelty," says Nair.

Her acclaimed film The Namesake dissects the Indian immigrant experience in a foreign country with admirable sharpness.

"People who consider themselves outsiders fascinate me. Such people inspire me," says Nair.

She adds that although she was never really understood in her native India, those experiences help.

Other entertainment news from Doha is that actors including Sir Ben Kingsley and Josh Harnett will be honoured at the Doha 21st Century Leader Awards for their work.