MUMBAI: Actor Dadhi R Paandey is happy to get a chance to direct the short film Every Life Matters, produced by Sane Insane Pictures. However, it was far from easy, he says. The film showcases the struggles of people from different sections of society during the lockdown and Dadhi says that it was the message of the film that helped him come on board.
“For me, it was a challenge to direct the film since it was my first. I wanted to highlight the suffering of people during the lockdown and the content of the film inspired me to do it. This is my first directorial and I accepted it because of the message that it has. When you read the script as a director, you need to think about how to unfold the story. I rewrote it and changed a few things, and tried to keep it more direct,” he says.
Talking about the subject of the film, the director adds, “The movie is motivational and it doesn’t only show the crises, but also the sufferings of the people during the lockdown. People are worried but the way out is also there in the film. I really want this film to reach more and more people. If even two people are motivated and they help four more people, for me my job is done,” he says.
Dadhi also credits his success to his wonderful team as well as producer Girish Arora from Sane Insane Pictures. “I didn’t even know Girish and we had not even met. Sudeep Sarangi, who has acted in this film, approached me to direct it and he believed in me and felt I can do it. His belief gave me energy and encouraged me to go ahead. But I have never seen a producer like Girish Arora. I am a first-time director and he has seen me as an actor. But Sudeep said I will do it and Girish had confidence in Sudeep. He is the first producer who never questioned me or my ability to direct. He never asked me what I had directed before. He met me and said, ‘Okay, we are doing it, tell me what you need.’ He is such a fantastic producer. I really hope well for him. He is great with actors and technicians as well. He cannot see anyone in trouble and always helps out. I am so grateful to Sane Insane Pictures and I will want to work with them again,” he says.
He adds, “As a director, I am also thankful to my actors. Actor-handling is a tough job. As an actor, you are thinking in one dimension, your character and around it. But when you are directing, you are thinking about everything and everyone. Everyone has different dimensions and it is important to keep that in mind. That is a challenge and you need to explain everything to each actor nicely. Thankfully the team was fantastic, everyone from the producers to the spot boy. Everyone was standing with me throughout!” he says.
The film also stars Satyajit Sharma, Atul Tiwari and baby Ayesha.
Add new comment