Bollywood Film Fame Canada Magazine - April 2021 Issue by Bollywood Film Fame Canada

BollywoodFilmFame.com

CARVING HER OWN SPACE AS A SINGER:

JONITA GANDHI

Zoa Morani Constantly LEARNING and GROWING

April 2021

Resilient, Adaptable, Charming

AMRITA PURI

MANOJ BAJPAYEE

on ‘SILENCE’

The beautiful thing about life is that years seem to fly by, but when we look back, we realize just how far we have come. I think back to ten years ago, twenty years ago, and the life I lived was so different. And we realize that we are meant to change. We are meant to evolve. Evolution really is at the heart of so many of interviews this time around and I'm so excited to share with you our cover story for April 2021. Zoa Morani started her journey ten years ago but she realizes that the person she was ten years ago is very different than the person she is today. While the drive towards her work is the same, she has found her centre. With her recently successful Taish, and another big film release under Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions, Zoa is all set to conquer the world, but in her own way. Somebody else who has carved her own path and is recognized for her wonderful acting ability is Amrita Puri, who I always say I wish I saw more of. I talk to her about her journey and where the past few years have led her. Manoj Bajpayee, the veteran who is known for being one of the finest actors in Hindi cinema, talks about the evolution of a character. And Jonita Gandhi talks to us about the evolution of a singer, from Canada to India. As we talk about evolving, we also realize we are finally progressing towards proper representation in cinema, and what better way to highlight that than speaking to the team of Ahaan. We then shift our focus back to music as we talk about the rise of independent music again with Jigar Saraiya and Krystle D'Souza about their latest music video together. Then, there are the likes of Sangita Patel, who continues to create waves as a South Asian Canadian woman in mainstream media; Malvi Malhotra and Tina Philip taking the television world by storm. We end off with an insightful conversation with the wonderful ladies from the Firecracker Department with whom we chat about representation, inclusivity, and what we can do better in the entertainment industry to make it more diverse and representative. Overall, this may be one of my favourite issues because it's all about learning, growing, and evolving. Keep Growing. Until Next Time,

Zoa Morani Constantly LEARNING and GROWING

ON THE COVER Zoa Morani Photography by Anamika Pathak HMU by Bablu Styling by Niyati Gogri

MALVI MALHOTRA

FIRECRACKER DEPARTMENT

TINA PHILIP

AHAAN

AMRITA PURI

MANOJ BAJPAYEE

SANGITA PATEL

JONITA GANDHI

KRYSTLE & JIGAR

COVER STORY

Zoa Morani Constantly LEARNING and GROWING Interview by Armin S.

Zoa Morani has been in the industry

for about ten years and in those ten years, she has entertained us through films and web series. When I saw her in Taish last year, I couldn’t help but think about her as a hidden gem. One who could really amp up our screens with her talent. When I sit down to chat with Zoa, she looks comfortable and at home as she begins a conversation with me. I delve into her career, what her ten years looks like to her, the success of Taish, and the rise of the term ‘actor’ without any other descriptors.

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COVER STORY

IT’S BEEN ABOUT 10 YEARS OF YOU IN THE INDUSTRY AND FOR SOME PEOPLE, 10 YEARS SEEMS LIKE JUST YESTERDAY BUT FOR SOME IT SEEMS LIKE A LIFETIME AGO. HOW DO YOU LOOK AT YOUR DECADE IN THE INDUSTRY?

To me, it was such a long time ago. It feels like another life, honestly. I feel like just the person I was – I think I don’t even relate to her. If you talk about life, for instance, with social media, we didn’t even have all of this when my first movie released. It’s so new for me and I feel like I have yet to experience anything. Because along with my debut, none of my projects at that point, did really well and not the way I expected them to. I feel like I have had a re-birth in these last ten years. I think mentally, I feel much better now. I feel more in tune with myself, I am happier, more content. When I was launched ten years ago, I think I was really young, and I was spoiled. I did not have much life experience. All the bad habits were up to my neck. But luckily, the one thing about chasing my career, was something I always had since I was young. But maybe I wasn’t going about it the right way. I can look back and point out mistakes because with age, you get wiser. So, yeah, ten years ago feels like a different life altogether (chuckles).

I THINK IT WAS ALSO THE TIME, RIGHT? 2010, 2011, I THINK MAY HAVE BEEN AN ODD TIME IN FILMS. LIKE, WHEN YOU REMEMBER BIG LAUNCHES, YOU THINK OF THE 2000 YEAR/MID-2000S. I’M THINKING BACK TO THOSE YEARS AND I THINK CINEMA WAS ALSO GOING THROUGH AN ODD TRANSITION PERIOD. BUT IT WAS AROUND 2015, 2016, THERE WAS A MOMENTUM SHIFT, WHEN WE COULD FINALLY SEE A RANGE OF CONTENT AND I THINK THAT COMES WITH THE GLOBALIZATION OF CINEMA AND ACCESS TO CINEMA OUTSIDE OF JUST YOUR GEOGRAPHICAL AREA. SO BECAUSE OF THAT THERE WASN’T A LOT OF SPACE FOR ACTORS TO THRIVE PERHAPS?

I think that is so true. Like we started opening up and we started to become influenced by what was happening all around the world. I also think that the newer generation is very real, very connected with themselves, very driven, and very talented. Maybe the generation I came from, maybe we were very influenced by the older generation in our families, and the traditions and such. With social media and us opening up, I think the world is being exposed to each other and things are changing. Whether you see the movies that are coming out, or the people that are so successful today. I am so happy that I am working in this time and space because I feel like I can connect to people so much more now than I did back then. Even the way people dealt with things, the social norms, I think I relate to things a lot better now.

COVER STORY

“I feel like I have had a re-birth in these last ten years.”

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COVER STORY

AND THERE IS ALSO AN ACTIVE RECOGNITION OF ACTORS WHO AREN’T INVOLVED IN JUST THE BIG MAINSTREAM FILMS. THAT DIVIDE IS DISSIPATING PERHAPS. IN HOLLYWOOD, FOR EXAMPLE, JENNIFER ANISTON WHO DID FRIENDS – PEOPLE DON’T THINK OF HER AS A TELEVISION ACTOR – SHE IS AN ACTOR. THEY ARE JUST ACTORS. AND I THINK THAT IS SLOWLY STARTING TO HAPPEN IN INDIA. DO YOU THINK THAT THE SHIFT WAS PRE-PANDEMIC OR IT REALLY GAINED MOMENTUM THROUGH THE PANDEMIC WHEN EVERYONE RESORTED TO THE OTT PLATFORMS TO CONSUME CONTENT?

I do think it started before. Maybe it was slow from India’s point of view but because of social media, the shift was just about starting. I think because of the pandemic, people started respecting actors also because the only kind of entertainment were television and web series and that’s what you could watch. I think that’s where the respect levels rose. There is no longer that huge hierarchy that this is a film actor, this is a television actor. Back in the day, you wouldn’t even look at a television actor working with a film actor. That’s not the case anymore. We are looking at everyone with the same respect. I think everyone has become more real also, everyone is more grounded. There is just this universal effect that has happened where people are just nicer to each other. I think maybe there was some universal cleanse (chuckles). I just genuinely feel, in my heart, that it is a good time to be a part of this profession that I have chosen. To even see that growth, and see the change over ten years, it’s like two different worlds. So I’ve been a part of that shift, and I think that’s cool.

LET’S TALK ABOUT ONE OF THE BIGGEST HITS ON THE OTT PLATFORMS THEN – TAISH. I WATCHED IT, AND VERY SOON INTO THE FIRST EPISODE, YOU AND ANKUR WERE PROBABLY MY FAVOURITE PART OF THE SERIES ALTHOUGH I ENJOYED THE OTHER ACTORS AS WELL – DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE SERIES WAS QUITE VIOLENT. WHAT WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM TAISH?

So For some reason, maybe it was only me, internally, we had discussed – like the look of the film, and the first day when we saw the teaser, we were like “Wow! What has he done?!” Like, we shot under such tough circumstances, I remember. This was pre-pandemic. The shoot schedule was really tough. Like, we were shooting 18, 19 hours. And then riding about two hours to our hotel. Sleeping for two hours. Then 18 hours shoot again. Because he had this particular look he was going for – and now I know why, once I saw the final cut. He wanted a look but he was also fighting budgets because there weren’t any major stars either right? We sacrificed a lot of sleep, we had a lot of discomfort. I honestly didn’t think it would be this good at all. I think the violence was a lot in the series, but I think in the movie, it was a little bit more organic and it was more a linear format. There are a lot of flaws in the movie also but I think I am too attached to the project…so I was finding

things even the regular audience would probably not find also. Like, it isn’t as if I have done a ton of work but I’ve done two movies and three web shows and I was just feeling proud, even though my role wasn’t huge…After feeling so much stress for so long, finally when Taish worked, it was just a magical feeling. The response was so great – friends, people from the industry – all of them were so appreciative. In the past, I’m so used to being a part of projects which have not received any appreciation. On paper, it always looks good but something or the other always goes wrong. The final product doesn’t turn out great. This was the opposite. On paper, it wasn’t looking that good and while shooting, it was okay as well. And suddenly, it was like, whoa, this is so good (chuckles).

POST-TAISH, IS THERE A SURGE OF CONFIDENCE ON YOUR END AND IN PEOPLE’S PERCEPTIONS OF YOU AS WELL?

I think that there is definitely a change. I think I got confidence for sure. I got a touch of what success and appreciation looks like. Like human appreciation. It gave me fuel – that if this feels good, imagine going out there and getting even bigger, better roles. It was also the first time I saw appreciation in my father’s eyes. So my father comes from the industry but he was not fond of me going into acting, being a girl. It was always a battle at home and my only support used to be my mother. My father and I are both strong-headed so these were hardcore battles where the house was suddenly quiet for six days (chuckles). There’s been so much negativity attached to it, and I’ve always gone against his wishes, and then my projects weren’t working out…so I wasn’t gaining the respect I wanted in his eyes. Like you know that movie, Gunjan Saxena, in which her father gives her so much support – honestly, I cried and cried and cried watching that film. I don’t even know the feeling of getting so much confidence from your father and so much positivity. So when my dad watched Taish, and that was after hearing that it was good, maybe one week after the release…I saw his reaction and he doesn’t really speak much. Even for my performance, he said “the role was less but you were good.” The way he said that, I was like, “yes..bas!”- that was really big for me! So, although I already had a project in hand – a project for Reema Kagti, I just felt wonderful. And internally, there is a lot of confidence. Externally, I hope people out there have more confidence in me and my work. Maybe I’ll get it a little bit more with this new project.

NOW, I KNOW EVERYONE ALWAYS SAYS THEY DON’T PLAN BUT IS THERE A FIVE YEAR PLAN?

It’s crazy because I felt like I had so much ambition in me before. Six years ago, I started a yoga practice that forced me to dig deeper and live life in a more pure manner. I have now really managed to calm the monster inside me which only wants to see me up there work-wise. Everything since 12 was only related to work. But nothing of that sort happened so there was a lot of frustration. But with this practice, I feel like I’m constantly learning and growing. I was just sitting there and realizing how I was on the sets of Taish and how I was on the sets of Fallen right now and there has just been so much growth automatically. It’s just happening on its own and I think that is just so beautiful.

INTERVIEW

RESILIENT ADAPTABLE CHARMING

Amrita Puri

Interview by Armin S. Photography by Rahul Jhangiani

mrita Puri easily has to be one of those actors who I can watch at any point. In fact, watching her in Jeet Ki Zid, my father and I had a conversation about how much we liked her on screen, that she had this natural screen presence that not many actors have. And I also say no word of a lie when I say that Amrita Puri has been on my bucket list to interview for quite a number of years. A conversation I thoroughly enjoyed, Amrita is somebody I look forward to seeing more of on screen.

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INTERVIEW

YOU KNOW, AMRITA, MY FATHER AND I WERE SITTING TOGETHER AND WATCHING JEET KI ZID, AND WHILE WATCHING IT, WE WERE TALKING ABOUT HOW MUCH WE ENJOYED YOU ON SCREEN AND PERHAPS YOU HAD FLOWN UNDER THE RADAR A LITTLE BIT. DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE FLOWN UNDER THE RADAR A LITTLE BIT DESPITE ALL OF THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE?

I do understand what you are saying, that I have flown under the radar. It’s not a surprise and it’s not something I haven’t heard before – that we wish we could see more of you, that we really like watching you on screen. I take that as a huge compliment. The other thing I get a lot is why I took a break in between. And the thing is, I never took a break. I have been working, out there, or been trying to actively work since I started in Aisha. So if someone hadn’t seen me in a while, it wasn’t because I was actively taking a break and not working, it was because I was either not getting the work I liked or not getting any work at all. I don’t like to pretend. Some people will say, “oh, I’m really picky with scripts”, which I am. Like, when you do see me, it’s something that is memorable or it is a character people have enjoyed watching. I was just discussing this with someone the other day – that before the OTT platforms really took off, there was just films, so there was this huge break post-Kai Po Che! With films, it’s like you are a heroine in commercial blockbusters, or you are a heroine’s friend, or sister, or the brother’s love interest…something that maybe is not essential to the plot. That was something I didn’t want to do and I feel like that you are right in saying that I am under the radar.

YOU DID A TEDTALK, IN WHICH YOU SPOKE ABOUT HOW THE INDUSTRY LIKES TO PUT YOU IN A BOX. YOU HAVE SOMEHOW DEFIED THAT WITH THE CHOICES YOU HAVE MADE WITH OTT PLATFORMS AND CHARACTERS YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO PORTRAY IN EPISODICS. WHERE DID THE DEFIANCE TO THE TEMPTATION COME FROM IN ORDER TO NOT JUST TAKE UP ANY ROLE?

Firstly, I have to say that I had the privilege to take that route. I know a lot of people don’t come from Bombay and have to pay rent at the end of the month. So it was a very privileged decision and not everybody gets to make that choice like I did. Not everyone can say that this is not inspiring me creatively, so I’m just not going to do it. I have to tell you, if I had to pay rent bills, I would have had to go out there and do projects I may not have enjoyed. So that’s one thing I have to be very, very clear about. Also, my second film, which was Bloody Money, I did it because I was like, it was a year since I had done Aisha, and I was like, people are going to forget me. So I did the project for the sake of it, after which I said never again. I did not enjoy the script nor my own role nor the decisions taken in relation to direction and production.

YOU TALKED ABOUT ADAPTING AND NOT JUST MAKING SURE THAT YOU ARE RESILIENT AS WELL IN THE TALK. YOU HAVE TO KEEP CREATING AND RECREATING YOURSELF. YOU HAVE THE CANDOUR TO ADMIT THAT YOU CAME FROM PRIVILEGE – WHICH IS REFRESHING – THAT ISN’T ALWAYS SPOKEN ABOUT. WHAT IS THE HEADSPACE THAT IS REQUIRED TO REALIZE THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO

KEEP ADAPTING THOUGH?

As an artist, you have to be resilient because it is that type of profession. I’m pretty sure when I say that this is a profession in which you face the most amount of rejection – being an artist creatively. Because you have to keep putting yourself out there through work and you want the work to be appreciated and be commercially successful. It is a constant and the feedback isn’t always good. That is one thing I realized when I started acting – and it’s made me question sometimes why I even chose this profession (chuckles). I have to remind myself as to why I want to do this. Talking about adapting, it wasn’t a strategy I thought about. It is something that happened organically while trying to continue to do what I love. It’s not just about acting – it is also about feeling fulfilled at the end of the day as an artist. For me, it was more about how else can I do what I love. That’s what I mean when I say the adapting happened organically. You can’t just be resilient.

I HAPPEN TO READ A LOT AND CHARACTERS INTRIGUE ME TO A POINT WHERE I FINISH A BOOK AND I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO A CHARACTER NEXT. HAVE YOU PLAYED A CHARACTER THAT HAS LEFT YOU WITH THAT SAME INTRIGUE, THAT YOU WONDER WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEXT TO YOUR CHARACTER?

That’s so interesting. I’ve never been asked this question before. But honestly, I have never thought of this before. There is one character that if there was a season 2, I wonder what would happen with her. In Made In Heaven, I played one of the brides and it was an episodic role. Now they are shooting Made In Heaven 2, but since I have been a bride and married off already, I can’t be a part of this coming season. But I did think to myself – what would happen to this character if they did put her in season 2. Would she have still been married into that family, would she have gotten a divorce, would she have stood up for women in general and not stood for patriarchy? Another character I would have loved to see what happens post the ending of Aisha, is my character from the film, Shefali Thakur. Because you see her coming of age, I would have loved to see the life choices she makes post that.

IS THERE A CHARACTER THAT YOU CAN MAKE A FRIEND?

I think Kavya from Four More Shots…I’d really like to have her as a friend. She’s someone whose energy I really enjoy and I have loved playing that character every season. And even, Jaya from Jeet Ki Zid, because she is so positive and she has this grip on reality, and just has it together. She is one of those people that doesn’t sulk around and just gets up and does her thing. I’d love to have someone like her to slap me up when I’m in a funk in real life (laughs). Like, stop complaining and make it happen.

YOUR INSTAGRAM PROFILE SAYS AN ACTOR/CONSISTENT SEEKER OF THE GOOD LIFE. WHAT’S THE SECOND ONE ABOUT?

(Laughs) When I’m not working, I am constantly travelling and just looking to have a good time in life. I enjoy going out with friends, eating, drinking, so when I say – the two things I am very consistent about in my life are 1.) acting and 2.) figuring out how I can have a good time. Even my PR team faces this with me – if I am not working or shooting, I am not in Bombay and I’m no longer available (laughs). I will always be after the good life.

INTERVIEW

“This is a love story between me and the craft of acting”

Manoj Bajpayee Interview by Armin S.

ZEE5’s thriller, Silence – Can You Hear it?, sees

Manoj Bajpayee expertly donning the role of a complex character, one who wears a police uniform, but there is so much more underneath that. I speak to the seasoned actor about the breaking down of a character, including relatability, not resorting to stereotypes, and finding the passion to charge oneself during a rigorous shoot schedule. 22 BollywoodFilmFame.com

INTERVIEW

YOU PLAY THE ROLE OF A MAN WITH SOME BAGGAGE. HE DOES EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO GET HIS CHILD TO SEE HIM. HOW DO YOU RELATE TO A CHARACTER LIKE THIS - OR IS IT EVEN IMPORTANT TO RELATE TO A CHARACTER AS AN ACTOR?

I don’t think you really need to relate to a character because you bring your own life experiences and you focus on your continuous work on the craft. One manages to get to the bottom of the character, and your experience helps you get into the skin of the character.

YOU ARE WORKING WITH KIRAN DEOHANS, WHO WAS THE CINEMATOGRAPHER OF AKS (ONE OF MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE FILMS). WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THE GENRE AND HOW SHE PITCHED IT TO YOU, THAT MADE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE ROLE, GIVEN YOUR ALREADY VERY DIVERSE FILMOGRAPHY?

“I never focus on the uniform that the person is wearing.”

Kiran, the cameraperson of Aks, is one of the most remarkable camera people of our time. So we’ve been family friends since then and we have always been in touch. I always knew that his wife, Aban Bharucha Deohans, wanted to make her debut as a director with a “whodunit” kind of a thriller. She has always been very fascinated by that genre. That genre is something that I have never been a part of. The script gave me a chance to get really into this and follow Aban’s instructions since I knew she has been a huge fan of the genre and has done a lot of research on it. The script was also quite engaging and engrossing. This was the right script for me to go ahead and experience this genre.

YOU'VE SAID YOU LOOK FOR SMALL GESTURES/RHYTHMS IN EACH CHARACTER. HOW DO YOU EMBODY THE PHYSICALITY AND MENTALITY OF A COP WITHOUT RESORTING TO STEREOTYPES?

I never focus on the uniform that the person is wearing. I personally feel that one’s profession comes quite later. You should really find the character first, the person wearing the uniform - he is most important. Little things like his upbringing, his educational background, where he comes from – that’s what is important. That’s what you try to find out about the character as a human being. Then, you can mix in the profession into the character. So, no matter how many cop roles I play in the future, it doesn’t matter to me. Because you can always explore a new dimension of a new character.

YOU SAID PREVIOUSLY THAT THIS IS AN INTENSE FILM - HOW DO YOU CHARGE YOURSELF FOR DAY AFTER DAY OF SHOOT?

I just love this profession. This is a love story between me and the craft of acting. I charge myself by looking forward to the scenes I do every day and try to be as good as possible and give two hundred percent to it. It is also a collaborative medium – you sit with the director, with the co-actors. The fun and joy of creating something on the day of is just so exciting and joyful for me. That gives me a kick, a high that nothing else provides. It’s a junoon, a passion. I don’t have to charge myself consciously. I wake up excited for the day.

INTERVIEW

BollywoodFilmFame.com

CARVING HER OWN SPACE AS A SINGER

JONITA GANDHI Interview by Armin S.

onita Gandhi hails from Canada, but anyone in India and globally knows her as the playback singer who has taken the world by storm with hit numbers like “The Breakup Song”,”Lagdi Hai Thaai”, “Dil Ka Telephone”, and “Couple Goals”. A sweet, soulful voice, Jonita has been singing from an early age. She talks to us about what she carries from her childhood, her initial entry into the world of Bollywood, and how she remains grounded.

PR Agency - @kushprbrand (Kush PR and Brand Strategist) Styling: @henna.akhtar Hair: @mayura_makeup_hair Makeup: @neerajnavare.makeupartist Photography: @amey.ghatge

INTERVIEW

JONITA, YOU COME FROM A MUSICAL FAMILY. HOW MUCH OF THE LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNT FROM THEM PERSONALLY HAVE YOU CARRIED FROM CHILDHOOD TO ADULTHOOD?

I actually don’t have any family members who are professional musicians - but yes, I come from a music-loving family, and I am who I am today because of my parents. My dad taught me how to deal with people, and how even more so how to deal with myself. When I first moved to India, it was difficult to adjust to the culture and work ethic, but I felt I had the mindset to be able to adapt. I slowly realized how valuable everything my parents taught me about dealing with people had become. Watching them handle situations and their advice to me while growing up prepared me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My mom has been my best friend and is my strongest supporting pillar. Whenever I face any situation, the first voice I hear in my mind is my mom’s, with a reminder of what to do in such a situation.

YOU MADE IT BIG IN INDIA COMING FROM CANADA WITHOUT A REALITY SHOW, WITHOUT THE EXPLOSION OF SOCIAL MEDIA. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO INITIALLY BAG THE PLAYBACK CONTRACTS?

I had no idea how things worked so I didn’t know what to expect. I put myself in situations that made me incredibly nervous and had to learn the ropes as I went along. I do believe I can attribute a lot of my success to the popularity of the covers I was doing on YouTube - so in a way social media has always been a friend of mine (haha). Given that Vishal Dadlani knew who I was from my videos online, before I even met him, led to my debut as a playback singer with the title track of Chennai Express. Thanks to my covers acting as a demo reel/ portfolio, the day we met itself, he trusted me enough to try me for one of his film tracks for a huge Bollywood film. Thankfully even though I was a nervous wreck, I allowed my fight or flight instinct to conquer the situation. I never felt reality shows suited my temperament and personality so I was determined to try my luck by making my own path. The first few years of my journey through Bollywood was a huge learning opportunity and I took each situation as they came, learning as I went along. Every situation was new, and learning how to adapt to the working styles of each music director as I went along was nerve wracking, but rewarding. I made it a point to be as flexible and malleable as possible and I think that really helped me.

TODAY, THE INDIE SCENE IS BECOMING BIGGER AGAIN. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE INDEPENDENT SPACE DOES FOR AN ARTIST LIKE YOURSELF VERSUS PLAYBACK SINGING?

The independent space allows us to explore our talent and taste for music in ways we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to in playback. As a playback singer, when we sing for films, there are parameters we are bound to with respect to delivering a song. We have to take into consideration the character in the film, the scene and situation the song takes place in, as well as the music

“Whenever I face any situation, the first voice I hear in my mind is my mom’s” director’s vision. We are sometimes given the flexibility to try singing things the way we interpret but ultimately the decision to keep certain takes over others is that of the music director’s. We are just a piece of someone else’s creation when we sing for playback, whereas in the independent music context, the song is creatively and artistically our own. Independent music has given me the space to be more in control of what parts of my personality and musical abilities I want to showcase. This year, I have a lot more independent music releasing, exploring different genres and languages, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone!

WHEN I LOOK AT THE MUSIC COMMUNITY IN INDIA, I FEEL LIKE ALL OF YOU SEEM TO BAND WELL TOGETHER. HOW IMPORTANT IS UNITY AND A DEGREE OF COLLECTIVENESS IN THE INDUSTRY BETWEEN ALL OF YOU?

The camaraderie is endearing. It wasn’t until I was engrossed in the industry that I realized that there’s room for everyone, so there’s room for everyone to be comfortable doing their own thing. Although there is a level of competition and staying relevant, there are so many opportunities and everyone has space to carve their individual paths while supporting each other. We are all pieces of the bigger puzzle and I think it’s important we all support each other’s musical expression - we all benefit!

HOW DO YOU REMAIN GROUNDED IN AN INDUSTRY WITH FIERCE COMPETITION, ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS, AND VIEWS ON YOUTUBE?

I’m not going to lie… it gets hard. Nowadays it seems that everything is about numbers, and the numbers are increasingly identifiable as vanity metrics. I try to stay focused on giving my best in whatever I do and less on the numbers. It’s important to me to set realistic, qualitative goals. It can be dangerous to get wrapped up in the vortex when it comes to the number game. It means more to me to read a few thousand genuine comments about how much my music has impacted my audience than seeing millions of likes on filler content.

INTERVIEW

Inside Ahaan Interviews by Armin S.

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INTERVIEW

WHY HAS IT TAKEN SO LONG TO GET TO THIS POINT OF PROPER REPRESENTATION IN CINEMA?

It was just sheer delight

watching Ahaan because of the authenticity and representation apparent in the film. The reason why the trailer stayed with me and the film stayed with me was because the makers of the film specifically made a point to cast appropriately. Directed by Nikhil Pherwani, Ahaan, a heartwarming tale of the most unlikely and beautiful friendships, stars Arif Zakaria, Niharika Singh, Plabita Borthakur, Rajit Kapur and Abuli Mamaji, a young man with Down Syndrome in the titular role. A Will Finds Way Films production, this slice of life story by Nikhil Pherwani and Abhishek Pherwani released in March 2021. I chat with director, Nikhil Pherwani, and actors Abuli Mamaji, Arif Zakaria, Plabita Borthakur about all things Ahaan.

Nikhil: Although we have seen representation of people with Down Syndrome and other disabilities in film in the West and in World Cinema, here it has hardly been tapped into. Representation from people who have such disabilities is important because how much will you have an actor who can pull off with the mannerisms, walk, talk…I wanted to be true to the character and not rely on stereotypes.

HOW DOES IT PROPER REPRESENTATION HELP IN THE ACTING SPACE?

Arif: I found it very intriguing. When Nikhil told me the story, and that he would be casting for Ahaan with a boy with Down Syndrome, I was taken aback. You normally don’t have that in a film, at least not within my memory, nor from my experience. While Down Syndrome has been shown in cinema, it has been very caricature-ish. You don’t see them “normal” and we don’t see their entire quest and journey. That was also the intriguing and exciting part of it. Acting with Abuli, who does have Down Syndrome, is very challenging and very exciting. I have never done it before. Nikhil was doing a lot of workshops with him. It’s not easy also acting because it is about memory and dialogue and how you follow certain timelines – which is challenging for Abuli. But it really taught me to be patient a lot. Plabita: That was the most exciting part as well. I also of course liked the script. Arif has shot a lot with Abuli. And I agree, it is challenging that way. But I felt really good that we were able to add so much authenticity to it because as Nikhil said, how much can you take from an actor? I’m not saying that actors can’t get into the skin of a person, but it could not have ever been the way Ahaan is right now, had it not been Abuli.

ABULI, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE CAST? Abuli: Good, good, good.

HOW ARE YOU BREAKING BARRIERS?

Arif: The thing is, we don’t show this like a condition upon which we have to always shower sympathy – that’s how we break barriers. Ahaan is a normal character just like all of us. It’s a smart film – because if you watch it and you get it, you get it. If you don’t get it, you still have a smile on your face because it is a warm film. The warm-hearted approach makes the film extremely watchable.

DID THIS PARTICULAR EXPERIENCE BREAK ANY PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS THAT YOU HAD?

Nikhil: From the onset of it, the script was developing. We wanted to make sure we cast right. As we keep going with research, you understand that these people are such lovely people. Why look at them as someone with a condition, a person with Autism, a person with Down Syndrome? This film is a slice of life film about some quirky characters – all of them unique in their own way, and one happens to have Down Syndrome. Plabita: Exactly. What I liked about this film is of course, this story is about Ahaan, but also about the lives and relationships he fosters and how his interactions with people and how they evolve – even if they are not defined relationships, but overall, how we are with one another. That’s how any notions are broken. Nikhil: Yes, at the end of the day, it is about human connection because of a common thread amongst the human beings.

CANADIAN SPECTRUM

angita Patel. That name rings a bell for many South Asians who find themselves looking for inspiration and motivation to get in front of the camera. A well-known fixture in the entertainment landscape here in Canada, Sangita spoke to us about her background, growing up in a South Asian household in Canada, how it shaped her, her journey to Entertainment Tonight Canada and HGTV’s Home to Win, as well as becoming Canada's first South Asian Covergirl Ambassador. An inspirational interview for all women who won’t take no for an answer.

Finding Inspiration

SANGITA with

PATEL

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Interview by Armin S. Photography by Narbir Gosal

CANADIAN SPECTRUM

YOU HAVE DESCRIBED YOURSELF AS THE RISK-TAKER OF THE SIBLINGS, AND YOU ARE ONE OF FOUR SIBLINGS. THAT SEEMS APT GIVEN THE TYPE OF JOURNEY YOU HAVE HAD. AND SO MUCH OF WHAT WE DO TODAY IS IN SOME WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM, BASED ON VALUE SYSTEMS FROM OUR CHILDHOOD. HOW DID YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES GROWING UP HAVE AN IMPACT ON YOU ON A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVEL TODAY?

When I was a young kid, we lived in Downtown Toronto, which was rare to have an Indian family in that area. It was pretty much survive on your own, become independent, and make it work. My parents were first immigrants to Canada and they were working their butt off to make sure things were doable for us. I had to grow up really quickly and what that meant was taking some risks. It was me trying to test the waters at a very young. Sometimes, I made mistakes and sometimes I didn’t but it was about becoming independent at an early age.

I ASK ABOUT THE RISK TAKING BECAUSE GROWING UP, I WAS NOT USED TO SEEING PEOPLE WHO LOOKED LIKE ME ON TELEVISION. DO YOU EVER TAKE TAKE TIME TO REFLECT AND THINK ABOUT HOW ALL OF THIS BECAME POSSIBLE; WHERE DID THE DRIVE COME FROM?

I think for me, growing up, I always wanted to do what other people did not think you could do. I became an electrical engineer, and I was told by my uncles that that was for men. So I decided I would become an engineer. But my passion was to do television, to be part of conversations – to talk to someone new everyday, so that you will learn something new every day. The Weather Network was the perfect fit initially because it was Science and Television and it just worked because of my interests. And here I am doing Home to Win and Entertainment Tonight…, and through it all, my family has really supported me all the way. It’s that fear that people have of “can I?” but I always think back to getting over that fear. Even when I did get naysayers, I would find other ways. Even when people give you comments and feedback today, I always take it in a positive way and look for ways in which I can improve.

THIS IS PROBABLY THE GOLDEN QUESTION YOU ARE ALWAYS ASKED BUT IS IT EASIER BEING THE INTERVIEWER OR THE INTERVIEWEE – I MEAN, HOW DO YOU GET PERSONAL IN A CONVERSATION THAT SO MANY PEOPLE WANT TO HAVE WITH A CELEBRITY?

You know, for those four minutes that I have with an actor, be it Halle Berry, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, you and I are best friends. Nothing else matters. So I do a lot of research initially, to the point where I know what your dog’s name is, and I also ask my producers, like what do you want from this interview? You also want to read the person. They have been sitting there probably answering the same questions over and over again, and For our full interview with Sangita Patel, check out our IGTV Series, “Focus on Canadians” on @bollywoodfilmfamecanada on Instagram.

“I had to grow up really quickly” you want to give them a bit of a twist and make a connection. I just genuinely like speaking to people more because their stories inspire me. Like I’ll go up to a person at a grocery store and strike up a conversation. It’s about finding something in common. I’ll give you an example. I was interviewing Julia Roberts and both of us started laughing at the same time. We both realized that we sounded the same, and then she told me we both have the same vein on our foreheads (laughs).

HAVE THE DYNAMICS OF INTERVIEWS CHANGED SINCE DOING THEM OVER VIDEO?

I think celebrities are being more open now, more so than ever. They are in their home environments and their kids are running around and these conversations are ones I have not had before. I think we all realize we are all stuck together and experiencing the same thing. I can see that they want to relay more information, and the interviews are more like chats than formal interviews.

NICE. SANGITA, WITH ALL OF THE WORK YOU DO, AND BEING SUCH A POWERFUL SOUTH ASIAN CANADIAN WOMAN IN MAINSTREAM MEDIA, YOU ARE TEACHING US A LOT. BUT I KNOW YOU HAVE TWO YOUNG DAUGHTERS, WHO YOU BEAUTIFULLY MAKE A PART OF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA. WHAT HAVE THEY TAUGHT YOU?

So much (laughs). You know what, this generation is completely different than any other generation. They are born with a voice, they are not building a voice. They know they can make a change. That took me a while myself. They are testing waters the day they are born. As South Asians, we are taught to work hard, be grateful, and keep our heads down. And you say, you will be successful. We are taught not to fight for ourselves. These guys, they are ready to say “I’m worth it.” That’s what they are teaching me.

INTERVIEW

In Conversation with

Jigar & Krystle “Na Nai Sunna” Interview by Armin S.

Sachin-Jigar, one of India's favour-

ite Bollywood music duo, collaborated with world renowned DJ producer R3HAB for their latest Pop single “Na Nai Sunna”. The music video features Jigar Saraiya in a never-seen-before avatar along with the hugely popular, Krystle D'Souza & comedy queen Bharti Singh. And as it promises, the video rightly transports its viewers to a different dimension in the world.

Sung by Jigar Saraiya featuring Nikhita Gandhi, “Na Nai Sunna” is a Sachin Jigar x R3HAB collaboration, with quirky lyrics by master wordsmith & musician - Vayu. As the world slowly opens up after a long and challenging tryst with a pandemic, “Na Nai Sunna” provides the perfect respite and reminds us all to let go every once in a while and have some fun. Here’s my chat with Jigar and Krystle about all things “Na Nai Sunna”. 30 BollywoodFilmFame.com

“Honey Singh...and then Badshah, Raftaar, all these Punjabi pop stars have worked hard towards creating the independent music scene again. A huge salute to them.”

INTERVIEW KRYSTLE AND JIGAR, I WATCHED THE VIDEO QUITE A FEW TIMES, IT’S FUN, ECCENTRIC, AND BIZARRE. IT IS ALSO A CATCHY BEAT. IT GOT ME THINKING THOUGH, FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME, I’VE REALIZED I AM WATCHING A LOT MORE INDEPENDENT MUSIC VIDEOS THAN THE TRADITIONAL HINDI CINEMA SONGS. IS THAT THE SAME FEELING YOU’RE GETTING?

Jigar: Yes, of course, and I think that’s what we are working towards so I’m glad it is translating.

I MEAN, I REMEMBER THE 90S AND A VIBRANT INDEPENDENT MUSIC SCENE, WITH SONU NIGAM BUT THEN THINGS SHIFTED AND ALL WE CONSUMED WERE BOLLYWOOD SONGS. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?

Jigar: Tell me something. Which song do you remember Sonu Nigam for?

“TUU…KABHI JAANE GI…” I THINK THAT ONE STANDS OUT IN MY MIND.

Krystle sings. Jigar: See, that is about twenty years back. Krystle: Wow, I feel old. Jigar: See, that’s an independent song. “Bijuria” is an independent song. “Deewana Tera” is also independent. Of course, Sonu Nigam has also done “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin” which is so cool which is Hindi cinema or “Dil Deewana” but as a listener and as a viewer, I remember him for his independent music. Like, what would you remember Daler Mehendi for? Krystle: sings “Tunak Tunak Tun” (laughs) Jigar: See, Bollywood has a certain palette when it comes to music but in independent music is where you see variation. There’s nothing against Bollywood but independent music is great toot. A few years back, a big kudos to Honey Singh, I think he is the one who got this revolution back in about 2012. He kept doing it and kept doing it and then he got noticed. He crossed over to Bollywood and then Badshah, Raftaar, all these Punjabi pop stars have worked hard towards creating the independent music scene again. A huge salute to them. Also, we have more platforms now. You can pick up the guitar and get on YouTube and release a video.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE SONG. THE VISUAL TREATMENT AND STORYLINE OF THE SONG IS GREAT. IT’S LIKE WATCHING A SHORT FILM. KRYSTLE, YOU ARE HUGELY POPULAR AND HAVE TONS OF ACTING

EXPERIENCE. JIGAR, OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A NEWER SPACE. BUT WHAT IS IT LIKE EMOTING IN FRONT OF A GREEN SCREEN?

Jigar: I think it is a completely new space for a musician to start dancing in front of a green screen, with a 100 person crew watching you. Also, knowing that you are alongside somebody who is much better than you, has much better approach and a bigger fan following than you. It is very, very overwhelming – especially on this one. I’ve come to realize though that Krystle and me are kind of like the same person. She never made me feel uncomfortable, or that I just did music. We had complex choreography and I don’t dance. I mean, I do garba, and that only when I come to Canada (chuckles). I was so nervous to dance. I had to tell Krystle about my lack of dancing. But Krystle was great. It has been a fantastic experience. It has taken me notches up in terms of creativity, it has taught me, it is going to be a starting point for the next coming years of my life.

I THINK THE BEAUTY OF THE CHOREOGRAPHY IS IT LOOKS SIMPLE BUT THEN I SEE KRYSTLE ON THE FLOOR, PLANKING, KEEPING HER CORE INTACT AND I REALIZE HOW COMPLEX IT IS. TELL ME, KRYSTLE, ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Krystle: When I first heard the song and concept, I just felt like simple choreography would not do justice to this crazy VFX song so when Kruti, our choreographer, showed us the steps, I was like “what? You expect me to crawl like an animal and I have to look sexy…like it’s not going to happen!” Kruti was very supportive, and Jigar was already trying to do his steps, so that helped me. When we actually got on the floor and started doing it, it was actually fun. They weren’t your average easy moves. It was something very new, and very out-of-the box, especially after staying at home for so much of 2020, it was nice taking up this challenge.

KRYSTLE, YOUR PORTFOLIO IS QUITE DIVERSE. WHAT MAKES YOU SAY YES TO A PROJECT?

Krystle: What I’ve done till date has been very different from each other. I’ve done a lot of television – I’ve done a lot of shows – women empowerment, sisters, comedy, supernatural. I did a web show that was about a flamboyant gold digger. In my film, I’m another crazy person. In the music video as well, my character mattered. This was something that I haven’t done as yet. I had so much to do in it and I knew that it would actually look more versatile with me doing this song. I just want to look and feel different for my audiences with each role that I do.

FEATURE

FROM THE U.K. TO INDIA: CHARTING HER ACTING JOURNEY

TINA PHILIP

Interview by Armin S.

ina Philip is a Chartered Accountant turned Actor. Hailing from the U.K., Tina carved her way into the hearts of people in India through her work in Ek Aastha Aisi Bhee and Aye Mere Humsafar. We caught up with her to ask her about her initial journey, why acting feels good for her soul, and her biggest challenges. Artist @tinaintinseltown Wearing: @urbanic_official Hair and Makeup: @blushrushh Clicked by: @picturesbyronak Location: @18thcenturyrooftoprestroandbar PR & Coordination by @shah.dev.22 & @aesana0710

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YOUR INSTAGRAM HANDLE IS @TINAINTINSELTOWN - HOW DID TINA GO FROM BEING A CA TO TINA BEING IN TINSELTOWN?

I have always wanted to become an actor since childhood. Coming from an educated family of IITians and doctors, completing my education was extremely important. Passing fifteen tough chartered accountancy exams taught me to be determined and never give up. It was instrumental when I was auditioning for over 2 years before I landed my first project. It has been four years in the industry now and I feel really blessed that I could make my passion my profession. I love my work and every morning I look forward to going to work.

YOUR JOURNEY FROM THE UK TO INDIA MUST HAVE BEEN ONE FILLED WITH CHALLENGES. WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACED IN MAKING THE TRANSITION?

“casting directors would say to my face that I was too dark”

I was moving countries and I didn't have any extended family in Mumbai. Everything was a challenge from not being able to speak Hindi properly to finding a flat and managing my expenses. I still remember the days I used to sleep on the sofa in the living room because that was the cheapest accommodation I could find. I managed all my expenses on my own. The biggest challenge I faced was experiencing rejection due to a dusky complexion and, in some instances, . I personally found that weird coming from the UK where people really liked my skin tone and used tanning beds and what not to get a tan.

EVERYONE SEEMS TO HAVE A PASSION THAT FEELS GOOD FOR THEIR SOUL. WHY DOES ACTING FEEL GOOD FOR YOU?

I just feel really liberated when I act. I feel free. Most of the times I feel that’s the only time I'm probably true to my emotions. Like in real life when I am not feeling too well or something, I don't tell my parents because they get really worried being so far away. So I feel at that point I am acting whereas when I am actually playing a character I am true to those emotions at that point.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE PART OF YOUR JOURNEY?

I made some great friends along the way and despite living on a tight budget, I’ve had a lot of fun. I remember four years ago, my friends and I took a bus to Nasik for attending the Kumbh Mela and that was an amazing experience.

TODAY, WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORT SYSTEM?

My biggest support system is my dad. I have always been Daddy's little princess but now he's more like a friend and guide. If I'm ever stuck or need advice, he's the first person I go to.

Artist @tinaintinseltown Shot by @propixer PR & Coordination by @shah.dev.22 & @aesana0710

FEATURE

An Interview of FIRSTS

MALVI MALHOTRA Interview by Armin S.

Ads, theatre, television,

films, Malvi Malhotra has experience in it all. She is a wonderfully sorted woman, who is serious about her craft, and always has some great tips for emerging and up and coming actors. Here’s my chat with Malvi about her firsts.

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FEATURE

FIRST TIME FACING A CAMERA

I was in college and I was in Bandra. There was a designer that asked me to shoot for her label because her model did not turn up. I was very naïve and questioned whether I would look good in front of the camera. She convinced me and I didn’t even know how to express, I thought. It was a weird experience but when the pictures came out, I was really happy. I couldn’t even believe it was me. They turned out so well!

FIRST TIME FACING REJECTION AND HOW YOU DEALT WITH IT

This was a really bad experience, I remember. Sometimes, you are selected for your acting, but sometimes they also check how many followers you have on Instagram and it has become such an important part of our lives now. I was selected for a really big project, but they also wanted someone with a lot of followers on social media. I have followers but not so many because earlier, I was not very active on social media. Now I realize, you can actually get work through social media but yes, the numbers game had an impact on the big project I was initially selected for.

FIRST TIME FEELING ACCOMPLISHED

I remember I was shooting in Hyderabad for my Telugu film and the location we were shooting at was a very expensive location to book for the producer. It was only my scenes there, and we were going eighteen to twenty hours, and I was only taking breaks for eating food. Otherwise, I was working continuously. I felt very complete and even after working twenty hours, I was still excited and not tired.

FIRST TIME YOU TRULY FELT HAPPY IN THE PROFESSION

When I auditioned for the first time in my life, it was for an ad. I was selected in the very first audition I had ever done. I told them it was and they started laughing. It was a nice experience because my first audition happened, and I was selected. I really felt that it made me very happy.

THE FIRST PERSON YOU CALL WHEN YOU GET GOOD NEWS

I call my dad. He knows each and every detail of my life. He is always very happy when I tell him things. He always supports me and he is more like a friend. He always understands my wants. He is like a guide. He is my true mentor.

THE FIRST THING YOU DO IN THE MORNING

The moment I open up my eyes I read a book which has many motivational quotes. I also pray to God and say I am filled with happiness and gratitude. I feel good and that’s how I start my daily routine.

THE FIRST LESSON YOU LEARNT IN THE INDUSTRY

Stay true to yourself and true to your work. Nobody will help you in anything – you have to help yourself. You have to master your own skills. You have to focus on yourself. Stop trying to make people happy – focus on your own journey and have faith in God.

INTERVIEW

BollywoodFilmFame.com

The FIRE, PASSION, and Need for INCLUSIVITY: A CHAT WITH THE

FIRECRACKER DEPARTMENT Interview & Design by Asis Sethi

The Firecracker Department started as a podcast interviewing female (and female identifying) artists to give their voices another platform. It has since grown into an international community of artistic womxn and non-binary folx empowering each other to take creative action through education, positive support, and by providing more platforms for our stories. In an effort to ensure we are doing our part as a community to become more inclusive, diverse, and honest, we interviewed the host and founder of the Firecracker Department, Naomi Snieckus, and Farah Merani and Tanu Ravi of The Script Department.

INTERVIEW

NAOMI SNIECKUS FOUNDER & HOST

TELL US ABOUT THE NAME FIRECRACKER AND HOW IT CAME TO FIT WHAT YOU WERE AFTER.

I struggled with the name for months! Naming your company is the toughest part. You feel like it has to represent all your dreams of what this community can become! I had a list of about 50 different ideas that I would pass around to dear friends to get their advice. And I would get back 50 different ideas! I knew I wanted it to be about women and non-binary folx and I knew I wanted this group to be international. I had things like "Women of the World", "Global Female Voices" "Girl Talk"not great! :) It was New Year’s Eve and Matt and I had gone to Joshua Tree with one of my best friends Naomi Wright. She had just arrived in LA and after a big meal of ribs and wine, we were all wiped out. We played ONE game of bananagrams and decided to be real real wild and go to sleep early. Yeah, we party. At midnight I was woken up by the fireworks going off and it just came to me - Firecracker Department. I didn't need anyone's advice - I knew it was right!

WHY IS GIVING A VOICE TO FEMALE IDENTIFYING FOLX SO IMPORTANT?

Our world is not balanced. Voices, stories, participation are not equally represented. I don't know how much I can change the world but I know that by providing more platforms for women and non-binary folx voices, we'll get heard. We'll get louder and we'll get more balanced. We all have to do our part and this is something within my power that I can do.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT REPRESENTATION IN THE INDUSTRY TODAY?

I think we are seeing changes. We see more female writers in the writing room, more female directors, people that are gatekeepers and gate openers and places of power. I'm not saying that means take your foot off the pedal. We have a long way to go. We are still grossly underrepresented from our BIPOC community and people with disabilities. It goes without saying (but important to remind ourselves) that that needs to change. When female directors are just called "Directors" -we'll have made a huge step forward.

HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOU ARE ABLE TO GET PERSONAL IN YOUR INTERVIEWS?

Tough. I'm not sure I can answer that because the interview takes on a life of its own. I do my research, I prepare with questions that I'm curious about and then I let it flow. I think it helps if I can connect and have a laugh with my guest at the top over something, so we just chat like two friends.

WHAT CAN ONE EXPECT AS A MEMBER OF THE FIRECRACKER DEPARTMENT?

Photo Credit: David Leyes

These are your people. Creators that want to create and take action with their dreams. You can watch and be inspired, or you can dive in, get involved and join the community of changemakers and action takers! There's always a seat at the Firecracker Department table for you - and we have lots of leaves! :)

INTERVIEW

BollywoodFilmFame.com

FARAH MERANI & TANU R CORE TEAM MEMBERS

TELL US ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT AND ROLE AT THE FIRECRACKER DEPARTMENT.

Farah: Magic struck when Naomi and I met for coffee on a normal pre-Covid day in Los Angeles about a year and a half ago. There had been an ongoing conversation between us about how the non-profit I co-founded, Women on Screen (WOS), and Firecracker Department could come together on something in LA, now that we both found ourselves as expats in the same city. I was interested in starting a script reading series for female identifying writers and diverse actors, inspired by what we were doing with WOS, and Naomi had the brilliant idea of joining forces and reaching out to our community to kick start something new. Thus, the Script Department was born. Fast forward to today and my title is officially: Head of the Script Department! Tanu: I am an actor and aspiring writer originally from London, UK. I was lucky enough to join the Firecracker Script Department in November of 2020. The Script Department puts together quarterly live script readings for scripts which are currently in development and written by anyone identifying as female or non-binary. We take care of casting the actors and coordinating the reading as a whole which is great because we are free to push for as much inclusion as possible. This opportunity has been such a blessing for me and a great distraction from the reality of the year we’ve had. I can’t wait to see how the Script Department progresses in 2021!

WHAT DOES INCLUSION MEAN TO YOU?

Farah: My vision for what Inclusion means is pretty simple: to exist in a world where everyone feels equally, honestly, and authentically represented across every industry. Being in the entertainment industry, it more specifically means representation on screen, as well as in all aspects of the creative process from development to production. Representation Matters isn’t just a hashtag. Tanu: In a perfect dream world, inclusion would mean that every single human being in this industry, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, is given a fair and equal shot to progress in their career based solely on skill, training, hard work and talent. For example, it would mean seeing character breakdowns that have no mention of what the actor should look like unless it pertains directly to the story. Unfortunately, with the way things have been so far, I believe the only way to try to get to this dream goal is for the rubber band effect to take place. We’ve been at one extreme for so long that a deliberate and heavy push for diversity will have to happen before we can find a balance where everyone is considered equal.

DO YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY IS INCLUSIVE?

Farah: While I deeply believe in the ethos that there’s space for everyone in this industry, and there are a lot of honourable and meaningful efforts being made from many angles, the execution in terms of what we actually see on screen falls far below what I consider as being truly inclusive. A few years ago, I was involved in leading a diversity and inclusion campaign with ACTRA Toronto called Share the Screen and we came up with a guiding principle that our screens should reflect the busiest streets of Canada’s largest cities. If that’s the baseline, and

honestly, the bare minimum in terms of w still a ways to go, especially on the sid makers reflect. The actors are the last which means in the supply chain of infl amount of impact on who gets seen on sc provide opportunities and encourage st perspectives is so so important. Any BIP have to be twice as good to receive half pool who are outstanding at what we do become and the more we’re able to ma industry.

Tanu: I can only speak from my persona do not think the industry in Canada is inc on the subway, I looked around at all the me. People from different places, culture ics. And all I could think was “This is no TV, how are people supposed to relate? and America also struggle with this, bu those countries in terms of trying to be clearly reflected in the brilliant content p definitely some changes taking place in there is a lot of work to do before the Ca inclusive despite having one of the most

WHAT CAN WE DO AS A COMM INDUSTRY INCLUSIVE?

Farah: I think a really big piece of the demand more from the decision makers being more conscious in what we choos eyeballs been more powerful! Will you w choose the multigenerational family dram than your own? At a time when we’ve choose to watch makes an impact on w which shows get renewed, which imp impacts who gets the money, which i impacts what stories get told. It’s a real tr all need to realize that we have a real po shows up on our screens.

Tanu: Be bold. I think the industry itse diverse artists. No one wants to say the impression that might paint them in a ba not vocal about how we feel then the stagnate. We need to write, create and showcase any type of person as only th open to accepting and watching different to. We need to take risks with casting things that aren’t normally seen on TV ye life. All people are human and until we a screens, we’ve got to keep the conver consistent. Being rebellious wasn’t alwa opinion, rebellion is what the Canadian in to achieve the potential I know it has.

INTERVIEW

RAVI

hat we should be seeing, there’s e of what the industry decision ones in and the first ones out, uence, we often have the least creen. This is why programs that orytelling from diverse peoples’ POC person will tell you that we as much. The more of us in the means the more undeniable we ake a meaningful impact in our

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MUNITY TO MAKE THE

e solution to this question is to s and let them know directly by se to consume. Never have our atch that WWII biopic or will you ma set in a community different got a glut of options, what we what gets rated, which impacts pacts what gets made, which mpacts who gets hired, which rickle-down effect and I think we wer as audiences to affect what

elf can be quite intimidating for e wrong thing or leave a lasting ad light. But the truth is if we are e push for change is going to develop new stories that don’t heir stereotype. We need to be t content than what we are used and shock people into seeing et are actually very normal in real allow that to be reflected on our rsation about change loud and ays such a bad thing and in my ndustry is desperately in need of

FARAH MERANI

TANU RAVI