Veteran actress-director Deepti Naval on Tuesday said it was unfortunate that the Indian film industry was being labelled as “the worst place in the world”, a perception she wants to change through a future book.

Naval, known for her starring roles in Chashme Buddoor, Katha, Kissi Se Na Kehna, and Saath Saath, was speaking at the release of her memoir ‘A Country Called Childhood’ which was launched by veteran actress Sharmila Tagore in New Delhi.

Asked if she was open to writing more books, the 70-year-old actress said, “I would definitely speak or write about some of (my) wonderful experiences in the film industry. These days the whole world is out there on the net giving a lot of gaalis (abuses) to the film industry. It's come under flak for various reasons, real, unreal, I can't make out. This is not the industry I know.”

Naval said her experiences in showbiz were “very different” from the ones that were being discussed on social media these days.

“What all is going on in the tweets or remarks on the net, I don't relate to that because I've met some wonderful people. There are all kinds of people everywhere, in every profession, or area of life. Right now, the industry is being singled out as the worst place in the world to be in,” she added.

The actress said she had no qualms about doing “very little work” in films as she wanted to be choosy.

“My colleagues had done 250 films, whereas I've done only 100 films. But I'm okay with that. If I was consumed by Hindi cinema, I wouldn't feel the need to write or paint or go on treks,” she said, adding she now wants to work more.

Naval, who was last seen in 2021's Disney+ Hotstar series Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors, also praised streamers for opening avenues for artistes.

“Today, people who are looking for a break can put out their stuff online and get reactions. A lot more actors and technicians in Bombay are getting work today due to OTT,” she said.

A Country Called Childhood, published by Aleph, is billed as a "one-of-its-kind, comprehensive look into the childhood of painter-actor-writer Deepti Naval".

Sharmila Tagore said it was an honour for her to launch close friend and colleague Naval's book.

“She is a sensitive actor, writer, poet, painter, filmmaker, but above all, a thinker. In this book, she delves into her childhood with admirable honesty and artist vision. And the end result is a mesmerising kaleidoscope of evocative vignettes which hold you spellbound... When you're exploring Deepti's journey, you will also explore yours,” she said.