I'm a creative person. I loved the arts. I Was into singing, dancing, painting, writing and directing skits and plays in school and college. Cinema is a culmination of all arts. I was drawn to it, specifically towards Directing and creating a fictional world of my own. Right now I'm shooting a courtroom drama TV series for a Tamil channel. I have a comedy thriller web series project in January and another horror thriller web series starting in June 2021.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I am Nandhini Js. My father was a Development Officer in LIC of India and my mother was the HOD, English Department at Queen Mary's College. No one in the family was in the film industry. Joining the film institute was my first step into the world of filmmaking.
2. What led you to choose this as your profession?
I'm a creative person. I loved the arts. I Was into singing, dancing, painting, writing and directing skits and plays in school and college. Cinema is a culmination of all arts. I was drawn to it, specifically towards Directing and creating a fictional world of my own.
I was more inclined towards it because it wasn't a profession that most women would choose. But it was my calling. When I was doing Business Administration, I found the guts to tell my parents that I wanted to get into filmmaking. They first objected but relented after a few months when they realized that I was really passionate about it.
3. What are the challenges you face in order to sustain yourself in this industry?
Balancing family and career is tough for all women. It's tougher I guess when you are a struggling filmmaker who is yet to reach the peak. There is no stable monthly salary in this line of work. There are no guarantees. There are no fixed hours of work. Luck and opportunities play a big part even if you are talented, sincere and hardworking.
Amidst all this, trying to be a good wife, a loving mother to a little kid and a caring daughter to ageing parents is a challenge. Sometimes I choose family over advancement in career. Sometimes I have to prioritize work. It's a balancing act. But I keep at it.
4. What are the qualities one need to develop to become a successful director?
Keep learning. There's always something new to learn. Never think you know everything. Be technically sound and educate yourself about other departments like cinematography, editing, sound work, CGI/VFX etc.
Be true to yourself. By that I mean try to tell the stories you sincerely want to tell instead of worrying about current trends and trying to do what others are already doing.
5. What are your current and upcoming projects?
Right now I'm shooting a courtroom drama TV series for a Tamil channel. I have a comedy thriller web series project in January and another horror thriller web series starting in June 2021.
6. Tell us more about ' skm comics'
It was an independent pet project of mine. I love reading indie comics and graphic novels. Hollywood has been making numerous successful comic-book-based movies for ages. I wished it happened here too.
When director Sekar Kapoor created his comic book series "Devi", I was really inspired and decided to make my own. I hired a couple of illustrators and turned a screenplay of mine into Sivappu Kal Mookuthi.
I released it digitally as pdf and kindle so everyone could read it easily on their devices. The English edition is titled as 'Girl with a Red Nose Ring'. Some day I hope to make a movie out of it.
7. What impact do you want to create in this world?
Well, honestly, I don't think of myself as someone who is trying to impact the world in any way. The only person I'm trying to influence is my daughter. I want her to know that she can be strong, independent and live her life.
I want her to know that women can choose any career, have opinions, and also be kind and loving. During my life's journey, if I can show other people, men and women to have the courage to follow their dreams, then that's a bonus.
Instagram id - @nandhini_js
You tube Channel - Nandhini Js
Interviewed by - Ananie Borgia
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