My inspiration was the passion to tell stories. Whenever I watch a good movie, I can imagine the film- at least the really great parts- exactly how it happened in the movie. When I am writing, I imagine what will happen on screen exactly like I would direct it. I love this exercise and this is why I want to be in the entertainment industry.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I am a 20-year-old filmmaker. I made my first short film when I was 15 which was inspired by the building that I lived in. Ever since that, people started looking forward to “what comes next” from me, and to be honest I got frazzled because of that. I must admit that I am lucky to have parents who are filmmakers too but sometimes that weighs you down too. People judge everything you do and for a teenager that is terrifying. I almost quit wanting to be a director because of it.
My next films came together the next year. They definitely were more deep and meaningful stories. Now I look forward to learning from my past mistakes and incorporating the knowledge my time in film school has given me to make even more powerful films. Films have the power to bring change.
2. How and when did you realize your passion for creating films?
I was a very passionate storyteller, always. I wanted to be an author first but I think I was just covering up the fact that I truly wanted to be a director. When I was young, people used to ask if I am going to be a director or an actor and I used to get irritated that they just assumed. But in the end, the film is such a powerful, fun, and holistic medium, it's the best for my stories.
3. What inspired you to get into the entertainment industry?
My inspiration was the passion to tell stories. Whenever I watch a good movie, I can imagine the film- at least the really great parts- exactly how it happened in the movie. When I am writing, I imagine what will happen on screen exactly like I would direct it. I love this exercise and this is why I want to be in the entertainment industry.
4. You made your debut in the film industry with a short film "Lift", which is a take on love and relationships. Can you tell us more about it?
Honestly, it really is not my take on love and relationships. That couple was a very generic couple that I portrayed. Yes, they were familiar to people but I was just showing what I had seen. I knew very little about love and relations, I was 15. That film was more about a journey in the lift. The lift was the pull and the USP.
If I were to make a love story it would be very, very different.
5. What are your favorite films and why?
Grand Budapest Hotel: Wes Anderson is a master at Production Design and Costumes. He creates his own world and we believe him all the way. This film is hilarious and heart-warming. I love it.
Big Fish: Big Fish has such a meaty story. At its core, it's about familial love with the father and son. But it incorporates different stories and tales and creates a fantastical experience. It is an incredible watch.
Lootera: It is sweet and it is strong and it is bitter. This movie makes me smile, it’s my comfort film. Everything just comes together. The music is great too.
Haider: Again, a powerful film. It is set in Kashmir which is beautiful. It is an adaptation of Hamlet which obviously is a masterpiece. The characters are so unique, especially Irrfan’s. And the pacing grips you and you don't want to let go.
6. Who would you most like to work with?
I would like to work with as many people as possible to grow my knowledge. Especially for young people like me, I think we can change cinema once again.
But to name a few names, I would like to work under Alfonso Cuaron or Ang Lee.
7. What are your plans for the future?
For now, I study, make student films, and experiment. Then I will use these experiences to make feature films.
Interviewed By: Farhana Khatoon
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