My passion is to do meaningful cinema, says Tanesh Somvansh..

Cinema as a medium has always fascinated Tanesh Somvansh as this finest medium provides a link to his passion for acting. With an aim to be like a painters muse, he wants portray the vision of his director with complete honesty and dedication. Tanesh whose role model is Naseeruddin Shah, feels that his ability to understand the script, the director and his needs will help him reach where his role mentor is known for - methodical acting. With Khunnas all set to release soon, he tells Soham, Editor - Films & TV World that his passion is to do meaningful cinema.

Films & TV World: Please tell us something about yourself?

Tanesh Somvansh: Cinema as a medium always fascinated me right since from my childhood and I was keen to adapt the day to day life and its happenings through acts. I feel, cinema provides a link to my passion for acting. I relish the challenge of starting with a blank canvas and creating a scene and atmosphere through my performances. My sole aim is to be like a painter muse who is able to portray the vision of the director in a realistic way on the canvas of film. My ability to understand the script, the director and his needs helps me to perform with complete honesty and dedication. In addition, my strong theater background makes me a very resourceful and disciplined actor.

F&TV World: When did you decide that you wanna make a career out of it? Were your parents supportive of your decision or was it an uphill task?

Tanesh: During my school days, I used to participate in all sorts of extra curricular activities and I used to top them. It was during that time I was put on stage for my school plays. The characters that I portrayed stood out and everyone kept applauding me. It was during this sojourn that I understood where my future lay and what I wanted to become or wanted to carve a career in. I was lucky enough to have parents and brothers who understood my passion and helped me nurturing it. But my dad like any other father concerned for his kid’s life and career wanted me to put my education first in place before I embarked on a passionate journey in the field of acting. He was keen that I complete atleast my Graduation, which I did in the Science stream before enrolling for a professional acting course from Whistling Woods and donning the hat of an actor and getting into the shoes of my fellow actors.

F&TV World: How has your journey been so far?

Tanesh: The journey so far has been good. I have debuted as a Lead Actor in a Marathi film “Khunnas” which is awaiting release. Directed by Rohan Shiwalkar, it is sure to give my career a dimension. Meanwhile I have also assisted as an AD to Jeevak Muntode on a corporate video as well acted in it. Apart from this have done a short film ‘Antardwand’ made for the Astitva Foundation and another unnamed project based on the real life story of a mentally challenged persons.

On the theatre front, I have performed as the lead actor in “Toba Tek Singh” in a semester-long theater project based on a story by Saadat Hasan Manto giving performances on campus and for theater festivals. Have performed in several Marathi plays like “Varhad Aalay London Hun”, “Pratiksha”, “Katha Dinuchya Mrutyupatrachi”, “Flying Lovers”, “Pyada”, “Indrakallol” as well done Hindi Theater with plays like “Ghasiram Kotwal”, “Ekshaf”, “Tughlaq”, “Toba Tek Singh” during my stint with Whistling Woods.

F&TV World: Since you are debuting just now on screen, do you feel you deserve an award?

Tanesh: Well, this is a commercial film. Its not new wave or the kinda art cinema that goes in for an award - saying this I don’t mean that commercial films don’t deserve awards. Like Dabanngg for instance. Who knew it would win National Awards. As for me, awards are just recognition and motivation to perform better, if not the best. Yeah, im just starting off but that doesn’t mean that one cannot win an award earlier. I have won the Best Actor award in Jallosh competition for the play ‘Indrakallol’ (2004-05), the Best Director award for a play “Katha Dinuchya Mrityupatrachi” again in Jallosh Competition (2005-06). One of my Patha Natak (Street Play) received an award at the Maharashtra State Level Competition held in Nasik (2004-05). The script was written by me. I also received the Star Student Award for the Horse Riding Camp at Japalouppe Academy in Talegaon (2008). But none of these have gone to my head. I believe in having my foot firmly entrenched to the ground so that when the time comes, I should be able to shoot off like a rocket for the world to see.

F&TV World: What do you think of today’s' trends in an “Actor's area of work”

Tanesh: This area has vastly grown nowadays. Actors can now experiment a lot. The parallel cinema and commercial cinema is blending together.

F&TV World: Who are your inspiration / role models?

Tanesh: From Art house cinema, its my Guru Mr. Naseeruddin shah, followed by Daniel day Lewis, Dustin Hoffman, Marlin Brando, Mohanlal, Mamooty, Prakash Raj, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapoor, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Ashok Saraf and the legendary Uttam Kumar. From Commercial cinema, it has to be Brad Pitt, Akshay kumar, Amitabh bachchan, John Abraham, all the Khans, Siddharth and Rajanikant sir.

F&TV World: What are your best skills? What is your major weakness?

Tanesh: My strengths are varied. I am skilled in Acting, Dance, Horse riding, Mallakhamb, Painting and Writing, but I am yet to give it my best shot and I am swiftly moving towards it. I wana be like a sponge to absorb all these skills to go towards becoming or being near to the best, but yet I am not. My biggest weakness is I am always in a hurry. 

F&TV World: Do you feel being an actor is a highly competitive field?

Tanesh: Sort of yes. The competition is with yourself because when you portray different characters you have to become one. There lies the competition of becoming the character.

F&TV World: Tell us more about your typical day when you are not shooting / or not auditioning?

Tanesh: Activities include Gymming, Yoga, Mallakhamb, Dance and reading novels or plays.

F&TV World: What's been your most memorable moment, as an actor, so far?

Tanesh: My first meeting with my guru Naseeruddin Shah is firmly etched in my memory. Nothing can erase it nor can outlive the joy of meeting my mentor. Apart from this, my very first day of shoot for a commercial film in Marathi titled “Khunnass” has been a memorable journey till now.

F&TV World: What's harder - pretending to be normal or pretending to be an actor?

Tanesh: I don’t pretend. Acting for me is not “Acting” but reacting and I think reacting is a very normal thing for a living being.

F&TV World: If you didn't become an actor, what everyday occupation would you have liked?

Tanesh: I am born to be an Actor and nothing else.        

F&TV World: One thing that you would like to change from your past

Tanesh: Frankly speaking - Nothing - because whatever or however I am today I am because of my past.

F&TV World: What vehicle would you like to buy after you hit it big or got that first big ‘paycheck’?

Tanesh: Rolls Royce and Enfield Bullet and a Horse as well… hahaha

F&TV World: What’s in your personal DVD collection? What is your favourite movie?

Tanesh: I have big collection of Hindi, English, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali films.

F&TV World: If you could be any video game character, who would you be and why?

Tanesh: Actually any coz everyone loves to play video game. But on a personal front I would like to be like “Kratos” - The gaming hero to live in a world influenced by Greek mythology. Kratos is the typical testosterone-fueled He-Man that modern entertainment has too much of. He has that tragic aura of mystery about him, but most of the time he's too busy tearing the wings off harpies and eviscerating minotaurs for any of that to matter.

F&TV World: What’s harder: College/ High school dating or dating now as a celeb?

Tanesh: Actually you should give me tips on this coz I am single and was single back then during my college and high school days. 

F&TV World: What are your favorite holiday spot / food / gadget?

Tanesh: My Favourite Holiday spot is actually my moms lap whenever I go home to Nasik. Whenever I am feeling lonely or feeling down the hill, that’s the best place that comforts me when I go and just rest my head in her lap - that feeling is different and I feel top of the world then, with all my worries thrown off to the wind.

Favourite Food: Indian vegetarian food, especially puranpoli and modaks are my most favourites.

Favourite Gadget: Mobile and Lappy.

F&TV World: Last book you read? Last movie you have seen?

Tanesh: Last book that I read was “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand. The Last movie I saw was “Annamalai” on my laptop.

F&TV World: Tell us one thing about yourself that no one knows?

Tanesh: There is as such nothing that no one knows coz everyone knows something or the other about me. So in a way, when u pool in all my friends and my close ones, you will find that there is nothing that no one knows about me.

Copyright @ Films & TV World...

Dear All,

This is to inform one and all, that the news, interviews, photo shoot pics and style on this website is copryighted and the rights vest with Films & TV World..Anyone found using the same without permission will be dealt with strictly in accordance to laws...

"Kashish" Mumbai International Queer Film Festival to showcase more than 124 films from 23 countries..

To be held from May 25 - 29, 2011, India's only mainstream LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) film festival - The Kashish Queer Film Festival is going to bigger and better this year, promises Sridhar Rangayan, festival director as more than 124 films from 23 countries are being showcased this year, with screenings scheduled at an Andheri multiplex and Alliance Française. The jury this year comprises filmmaker Sai Paranjpye, actors Samir Soni and Shernaz Patel, film critic Khalid Mohammad, and international festival director John Badalu from Indonesia.

"It is a great platform to uphold human rights and dignity for all which is what I strongly believe in. Kashish is a celebration of the equality of all human emotions irrespective of sex, creed, race and culture. It also gives an opportunity to young budding filmmakers to present their talents, especially in India, where there is a lack of a platform for showcasing independent films," said Celina Jaitley, who is the brand ambassador for Kashish.

Reputed Filmmaker Shyam Benegal feels that all minorities in this country need representation and sexual minorities is one of them. “Kashish is a move in the right direction to create awareness through the medium of films. It is a step forward in the gay movement."

"To encourage larger participation, we have ensured that delegate registrations and entry to the festival are kept free for all Kashish film festival lovers, but everyone has to pre-register by filling out a form and getting a delegate card," Vivek Anand, festival director, said. "We had long queues for the festival last year," say the organizers, adding, "While 'housefull' placards are nice to look at, it feels sad to turn away cinema lovers. This year, the festival is also scheduled to be screened at a commercial multiplex. These are short, entertaining films, which one could catch during a coffee break from work. We also have late night shows."

                 

Panel discussions with celebrities and media professionals are part of the festival. A jury will adjudge the best Indian queer short film entry and the winner will qualify to compete for the 25,000 Pounds Iris Prize in the UK. UK filmmaker Georgette Okey returns this year to Kashish with her second short film “Matchmaker” to be screened in the competition section, a story that drop-kicks into the world of football fan culture, gay transvestites and the enduring power of friendship. Her first film, Ginger Gora and the Gentles played at the festival last year. "I'm thirsty to see Indian queer cinema," says Okey. "It's refreshing to see new gay independent cinematic voices emerging. I'm looking forward to seeing an eclectic mix of styles and stories," she adds.

This year, the 'country focus' will be on Israel, with more than eight films from the country showing at the festival. A special package on 'anti-bullying' and 'gay bashing' films, followed by a panel discussion, has also been planned.

"We have received immense support from sponsors this year," says Rangayan. "There has been corporate involvement, with banks and business houses taking the festival to a different level." Interestingly, a survey commissioned by Kashish last year showed that 78% of people who came to watch the films were heterosexual. A special set of sensitive, dramatic and touching features and short films on HIV/AIDS are being introduced under the 'Red Ribbon' package, presented by UNAIDS and UNDP. "Kashish is set to be how festivals should be-enjoyable and entertaining, while you take back a message when you leave," says Rangayan.

Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival will be showcased from 25-29 May at Cinemax, Versova and 26-28 May at Alliance Francaise. Entry free upon registration. For more details, log on to www.mumbaiqueerfest.com

The right blend of Art & Technology is what makes a successful film, says Filmmaker Deepak Sharma

Deepak Sharma is not the lone engineer who has reversed his gear and plunged headlong into the filmy arena. Sipping Coffee with Soham - Editor of Films & TV World, Deepak commented that Engineering has taught him physics and technology and Filmmaking is nothing but art imitated by real life experiences. And the right blend of Art and Technology is what makes a successful film, he quips. A short tete-a-tete with this short film maker..

Films & TV World: From engineering to filmmaking what ignited your passion?

Deepak Sharma: Theatre and filmmaking are the best way I can contribute to the society with reflecting my inner thoughts. Engineering has taught me physics and technology and filmmaking is something which is a right mix of Art and Technology and that excited me in final days of engineering. I also used to write for college magazine and during those days I discovered that filmmaking is something which can make writing alive and that’s when I thought of choosing filmmaking as a reflection of my thoughts.

F&TV: How did the short film “Purity” come about? What was the inspiration behind the film?

Deepak: This is my first short film and before that I was working on documentary films. While working on documentary “Life on Footpath” I came to know about lot of struggle of people who do not find any shelter and choose footpath as their place for living and shelter and settle down over there. There were many real incidents which I came across but the story of DVD seller was something which touched my heart. There was lot of pain while he was narrating, I was touched by his pain of being part of mafia and knowing about how he lost his parents.

F&TV: This film was made for Gorbaschow Pure Shots contest. What were your reactions when you dint make it to the winning list?

Deepak: I participated in the competition because of the unique theme given by the organizers. It was exciting because we had to show the duality of a person in his / her daily life. Since I knew of this real life incident that was narrated to me, I thought of participating in it. I was really not bothered about the results, but was excited that I will get a chance to showcase my work to the top industry filmmakers and this story will get a exposure on the right platform provided by 1takemedia and wg pureshots.

F&TV: Do you think the concept was not that universal or your direction had flaws?

Deepak: This short film covers two social issues. One is issue of DVD piracy and another is child human trafficking and kidnapping. Both are challenging issues across the globe where on one side our Government have failed to stop and curb the issue of child human trafficking as well as Piracy, and on the other side the entertainment industry is suffering from huge losses due to DVD Piracy. While developing the screenplay, I had to gave importance to symbolism and perspective in the film, which we have used by crushing the flower with shoe as a symbolism of killing and water drops as symbolism of being pure.

F&TV: Looking back, if you were to make a change now in this film what would it be?

Deepak: Time was the limit for us, since I and Sudarshan (Actor of the film) we both are working as well, so we got only weekends to make it. If we could have got more time, we could have taken a more realistic approach because I think the importance was given to realism than symbolism.

F&TV: What’s the best part of the filmmaking process for you? How did you go around developing your cinematic sensibilities and aesthetics?

Deepak: For me Filmmaking is nothing but real life experience, I walk down in the streets, explore the people and their activities. I keep pen and paper along with me, write down the thoughts and places I have seen and when I start thinking about any idea or concept, I look back to those notes which I have written earlier. Doing theatre and making documentaries has helped me develop cinematic sensibilities since theatre has helped me understand storytelling process, human emotions, importance of lights, music and acting skills. Making documentary films have taught me why realism is so important in cinema and the current challenges that society and its people are facing.

F&TV: Music is an integral part of a film. How did you decide on the music?

Deepak: Music is composed by Shohan Cagle (Award Winning Music composer from United States), since he is my online friend and I love listening to his music. He gives importance to human emotions in his music and his experimental work excites me so I asked him to give music for my short and he agreed to do for it. I am sure his music has made a difference in this short film as well and the impact of film has been up with 300% just because of his music.

F&TV: Do you believe that films can bring about social change, or even affect the society?

Deepak: Yes, that’s what many films have done in the past and doing in current era as well; especially in India, where films are direct reflection of Indian society. It is the best way to educate people; it is the forum through which social issues can be reflected. People not only follow film star’s hair style but also follow the moral and the message given by the films. In recent past many films have ignited youth and they are taking up the challenges in their life than just being a part of rate race.

F&TV: What do awards and appreciations mean to you?

Deepak: Awards and appreciations of course help me motivates further and boost my self confidence, not winning it motivates me more because I want to make films, documentaries and do theatre to make a social change and deal with the social issues which have not been dealt so far; don’t want to do films and theatre for awards and money.

F&TV: “Accept that you're not always right” - A great director once said this. How do you react to criticisms?

Deepak: I would agree with him because it is the perspective of right and wrong that matters. It depends of how someone is looking to the issue.

F&TV: A self learned person, do you think going to film school is a waste?

Deepak: I would not say that going to film school is waste because I really not aware what are the processes through which filmmakers go through in film schools. But for me fimmaking is a self learnt craft and I give importance to storytelling, creativity and love to do experimental work with the use of physics than cinematic techniques.

F&TV: Do you think not going to a film school helped you in any way?

Deepak: Yes, I think it has helped because my approach is different. I do not write any story in a cinematic language but I draw diagrams and do dramatic representations in a notebook. While shooting also, I do not go with just writing but use improvisation. Improvisation can be with acting, cinematography, costumes and even with locations. Which are sometime plus point for making films more beautiful, It helps bring out the best from actors, get a chance to select best shots and always help learning and doing experiments with filmmaking.

F&TV: Some of the director’s you admire?

Deepak: I am inspired with the directors for whom filmmaking was more of a passion than making money and doing business. Also the directors who loved to do experimental work than doing same formula films. I am also highly inspired with my theatre directors Ranji David and Nandini Rao who are highly passionate for theatre which I have never seen so far in my life before meeting them.

F&TV: What's next on the anvil?

Deepak: I have already started work on two short films one which deals with male/female ratio issue and another on corruption issue. I am also writing a short film on honor killing and will work on couple of documentary films as well. I am also associated with theatre group known as Yours-Truly theatre in Bangalore and have performed many shows in schools, colleges and in many NGOs along with public performances in Bangalore.

I have worked on two documentary films earlier. One is on a sweeper’s life and his struggle in society. This film highlights the social issues related to them including untouchability. Another short film that I have worked on is on the life of beggars that is not only sensible in nature but also exposes the role of mafia in their lifestyle. It highlights the economic as well as social impacts on the society but at the same time showing the pathetic condition of beggars and issues related to their rehabilitation. With this film, we also tried to expose why 26 beggars died in beggars’ colony in Bangalore last year and how the case was ignored by government and many social institutions.

F&TV World introduces Anand & Kiara as "Model of the Week"...

This week's Male model is "Anand Sharma" from Mumbai. A Model on the Block, Anand is interested in acting, modelling as well as TVCs. Having dabbled with corporate films, short films and the like, this Mumbai lad is now keenly focusing on improving his acting skills and is all set to do a Bhojpuri film. Keenly looking forward for an entry into the world of glamour and fame, he is sure to set the screens on fire with his talent.

Kiara Kelkar who features as our Female Model in the same section is a model cum actress from Mumbai who has done a Marathi Serial 'Avantika' apart from a cameo in YRF's 'Rishta.com'. But her real claim to fame is the TVCs that she has done for PSPO Orient fan TVC with M.S Dhoni and which is currently playing on air. Her other TV commercials include for GITS food products, MTV promo, Parachute Hair Oil, Rexona Deodrant and many others.

Having completed her full time acting course from Anupam Kher's 'Actor Prepares', she has worked as a Radio Jockey and content producer for Radio Mirchi, Pune for over a year. Kiara has also handled Bollywood shows and events for them alongwith interviews of stars and movie launches & a lot of outdoor broadcasts as well for Radio Mirchi. Having dabbled with professional Theatre for 3 years, Kiara has shot for the Iranian short film "IRAN 2 INDIA" as well as played the female lead in the Hindi suspense thriller Movie 'The Unwanted' which will be releasing shortly. We at F&TV World wish both Anand & Kiara - all the best in their careers and wish them a fabulous future..

In case, you would like to be featured on this “Model of the week” page in our series, mail your portfolios with your contact details on filmsntv@gmail.com. And ya, no need to get disappointed if you don't find your self in the coming week. Who knows, it might be your turn next... Cheers!!

Vote for this dashing model...

Hey guys,

Vote for this dashing model for ibibo iHunk

To vote for him, click on the button

"Click Here to Vote"

Eon films latest Bhojpuri offering...

Eon films latest Bhojpuri venture to be launched today with the title track recording..

After the success of “Saawariya I Love You”, Eon films is firmly entrenching its foothold in the Bhojpuri Film industry. Eon’s latest Bhojpuri venture “Darogaji Chori Ho Gail” is being launched today with the title track recording at Alka Yagnik’s recording studios at Mhada, Andheri, Mumbai. The title track will be recorded by Indu Sonali whose songs have been bumper hits in the Bhojpuri Market.

A total commercial thriller flick, “Darogaji Chori Ho Gail” is an action packed comedy film - nothing of the sort seen on Bhojpuri screen earlier. And this is a fresh storyline unlike other bhojpuri ventures that dominate the screens, which are nearly all remakes and rehashes.

Produced by Shambhu Pandey, “Darogaji Chori Ho Gail” has Vikrant Singh, Kesari Lal Yadav, Girish Nagpal, Priti Chauhan, Anand Mohan, Sanjay Pandey, Sandip Mishra, Brijesh Tripathi, Seema Singh and others. With music by Aman Shlok, the film will go on floors by the end of August and will be presented by Eon Films

Music of “Will to Live” launched..

The music of Indo American venture “Will to Live” was launched recently in the presence of Producer Amrit Das, MD of music label “FilmyBox” Narendra Singh, Music Director Bhappi Lahiri, Asha Bhonsle, Sunidhi Chouhan, Sharon Prabhakar, Reema Lahiri  and Mahima Chaudhary.

An Indo-American production, shot exclusively in California and dense jungles of India, ‘Will to Live’ is a new genre film of cross cultural appeal. Inspired from a true story, it’s the fight of a courageous father for his son ailing from Lymphoma and how far a father can go to save his child’s life. Against all odds, this American father makes his adventurous journey into the jungles of Himalayas in the quest of a rare herb that may cure his son’s Cancer. Battling the depths of the jungles, greed, power and corruption and risking his own life the story explores the intensity of father’s love. He has been given a ray of hope for his son.

Music being the soul of the Bollywood films, renowned Music Director Bappi Lahiri has been roped in this project who has created a perfect fusion of Western and Indian music. International singer MC Hammer has sung the title song of the film. Other singers to lend their voices are Asha Bhonsle, Sunidhi Chouhan, Kumar Sanu, Reema Lahiri  and Mamta Sharma. Sharon Prabhakar has also rendered a song after a long time. For the first time in India, English and Hindi songs have blended together in one Album of ‘Will to Live’.

According to Surajit Dhar, a prominent Indian Film Director who was also present at the launch feels that Foreign Productions, on Indian subjects are making a great impact in world market. Slumdog Millionaire is a classic case of that. “I have seen the preview of Will To Live and I believe it will be a bigger impact than Slumdog Millionaire,” added Dhar.

One has to have an immense Love for music to be a music director, says Tattu...

Films & TV World recently sat down with new Music Director Somnath Roy aka Tattu who has gone into a fresh stratosphere after the success of the short film “Poor Scum” by Lokiish Todi that was the winning entry at Gorbatschow Pure Shots contest. Tattu who created the music for Poor Scum is looking to scale new heights with his upcoming projects, his growing up as a youngster in the industry, what kind of music he wants on his new album and what success means to him.

Films & TV World: What made you choose this career as a Music director?

Tattu: From my very childhood, I was very fond of listening to music. Creating a song or background music for a certain situation always fascinated me. By the time, when I was in 7th standard, I had already started to compose my own music. Infact the song ‘Chandni Raat’ (album - Gulzaar) was composed in 9th standard in our chemistry lab. After giving my board exams, I decided to take up music as my career. I believer there is some extreme or divine power that made me choose this career.. And frankly speaking, I love my job.

Films & TV World: What does it take for someone to be a music director? What do you love about being in this music direction filed?

Tattu: First and foremost one has to have an immense Love for music to be a music director. His world only revolves around music - in good or bad times and in even happier or sad times. Also, it is of immense importance that a music director should have a good visualization capacity. He should have the power to create music or song on any situation as it’s all about expressing you through music. Well, I love composing music. And being a music director is my prime work. I am thankful to god that my passion is my profession too. My friends say that my better half is my music (laughs).

Films & TV World: How did your first offer to score music come up?

Tattu: I  got  my  first  break  in  2003, in Calcutta  I  do  even  remember  the  date.  It was 8th August 

2003. It was a couple of jingles for a music company.

Films & TV World: How did the music of "Poor Scum" evolve?

Tattu: Well, Lokiish Todi (the director of the film ‘Poor Scum’) came to me in October 2010, regarding one of his films, but we couldn’t work together, as I already had some prior commitments. But we made sure, that we would work together on his next project. Around December, he was ready with his next short film. He came to me and we had a huge discussion on the music of the film. In a couple of days time, I composed the scratch and we met once more and the music and fx sounds were ready. And that’s how the music of today’s Poor Scum evolved.

Films & TV World: What were your reactions when “Poor Scum” emerged a winner?

Tattu: Frankly speaking, I was quite sure that the film would get a position, if not the winner. Actually the story was so touching and story telling was so apt, along with the music, it became a ‘must watch’ film. So, I had a feeling that this film will go places. And the moment, it was declared winner, I must say, the feeling was so wonderful and satisfying.

Films & TV World: What about your albums - Gulzaar & Endless Journey? How did happen?

Tattu: Gulzaar is my new album which got released from Artistaloud.com and Hungama.com. It has got four songs in it and I would add few more songs in near future. It has got love songs of different genre in Hindi and Bengali. My team really worked hard with me, and the feedback, what we are getting from our listeners, is very encouraging.

Endless Love is another album, released from a German music company Fanel Records. It has three remixed lounge tracks. This much I can say, the latest sales statistics is fantastic (smiles). I was composing few tracks and was planning for a good release. At that time I came to know about Artistaloud / Hungama and Fanel records. They heard my tracks and were ready to take them. Both the albums are released digitally, as the future belongs to digital portals. It’s much easier today to reach people world-wide. So without taking the same old route of cds, I preferred these digital podiums to release my compositions.

Films & TV World: Why did you decide to take the digital route to release your music?

Tattu: Digital route is the future. I  can  even  predict  that  5  years  down  the  line, there will  be  no music  store, no  cds,  no  cassettes. It will all be a thing of the passé, just like what happened to our video recorders and parlours.  Music will come to us, only in digital format. So I decided to walk towards the future. This  is  the  most  convenient  way  of  releasing  the  music,  where  you  can  reach  more  people , round the  globe.

Films & TV World: Can you say a few words about each of the songs you have on board ArtistAloud.com?

Tattu: Each of my songs have a small connectivity with real life situations. Like in “Kya Dil Mein Hain”. There’s a  small  story  behind  this  song. I  was  having  a  chat  with  a  friend  of  mine.  He said that there was this girl he’s fallen in love with. But  he  doesn’t   know  what  she  thinks  about  him  or  what’s  going  on, in  her  mind. This thought inspired me and I wrote “Kya Dil Mein Hain”

Speaking about Gungunaya, I can say, its basically a song of a lonely heart. It’s about a person and his feelings who is alone, with no friend, no companion, walking the path of life solely alone. It happened when I  was  watching  the film  ‘Cast  Away’  where the  hero  of  the  film  is alone  on  an  island. The  film  really  triggered  my  thoughts  and  I  composed  the  song. I tried  to  travel  through  the  feelings  of  a  lonely  heart. Chandni  Raat was  composed, when  I  was  pretty young and in school. I was in the ninth standard. This is a sad love song. I actually wrote this song, in my chemistry lab.

Jaani  Naa or “Don’t Know” is  a  romantic  song in Bengali, which I  composed  after  seeing  ‘Dil  Se’. It had really tugged my heart strings. This  song  is  about  a  person  who  has  fallen  for  a  girl  but  doesn’t  know  anything  about  her. That  curiosity about that someone special somewhere  is  a  different  feeling, where  there’s  a  touch  of  mystery  in  it.

Films & TV World: Do you compose music for lyrics or vice-versa? Or is it a mix n match of both?

Tattu: It’s a mix n match of both, actually. Sometimes melody comes first and then lyrics are written and sometimes it’s the other way round. There’s no set rule.

Films & TV World: What is the USP in your style and music? Who do you see connecting to your music?

Tattu: I love experimental music, with lots of melody.  Melody  always  attracts  people  and experimenting  with  the musical backing  along  with  the  melody  gives  a  new  dimension.  I  believe  that  freshness  is  the  USP  of  my  music. As for connecting to my style of music, I feel, everyone,  of  every  age,  will  connect  to  my  music . My  music  has  a  soothing  effect  and everyone  will  enjoy  that  velvet  touch. I would just say - Close your eyes and feel the music.     

Films & TV World: What is the relationship like between a director and a music director?

Tattu: You know, a film is an audio-visual medium. So I believe, visual is 50% and audio is 50%. Although the director deals with the total 100% as he is the captain of the ship, the music director alone deals 50% through his songs and background scores. So you can say, he is the vice-captain of the ship. Just imagine films like Titanic without background music or Taare Zameen Par without the songs. There will be no life in those films. The director is the Prime Minister and the music director is the Deputy Prime Minister (laughs). 

Films & TV World: What makes the difference between a good and a bad music director?

Tattu: I am not in a position to declare the difference between a bad or a good music director. I compose my own music and when listeners say good things about my compositions, I feel happy. That’s it.

Films & TV World: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started as a music director?

Tattu: Two things I would say. First is Business and second is how to deal with different types of people. Both are very important. 

Films & TV World: Which is the first song you scored music for and which is your favorite song in your composition till to date?

Tattu: Frankly speaking I don’t remember the first song that I composed. But yes, my first independent project was to compose two jingles of 10 seconds each for a music company. All my compositions are my babies. All are my favorites. I would like my listeners to say which one is their favorite.

Films & TV World: If not a Music Composer what else you would have been?

Tattu: I would have been a sportsman. I was a good athlete, a good cricketer.  I  have  played  for  my  school, college  and  even  for   2nd  division  clubs. I  was  a  medium-pace  bowler  and  have  a  record  of  taking  seven  wickets  in  a  match , in  school  cricket.

Uploaded here is a video of Tattu's album..

Films & TV World: Your Favorites:

Tattu: Among singers, its Hemant Kumar, Mannna  Dey, Kishore Kumar, Lata  Mangeshkar, Asha  Bhonsle and Geeta Dutt. Among Musicians, its R.D.  Burman, A.R. Rehman, James Horner, and Zakir  Hussain. My most favourite song is ‘Waqt  Ne  Kiya  Kya  Hasin  Sitam’… It has a touch of eleganace as well as the ethos and pathos have come out so beautifully. Everything in the song is a masterpiece - right from the lyrics to the music to the way the song was rendered. And the picturisation is the best.

Films & TV World: Your strengths and your weakness?

Tattu: My Patience is my strength.  And my weakness?  I think I’m very classy.  That’s my weakness.

Films & TV World: You Idolize, whom and why?

Tattu: R.D. Burman and Music genius A R Rehman saab.  I  believe  R.D. Burman  is  the  king  of  melody  and Rehman  is  the  king  of  music  arrangement (orchestration / musical   backing). I have learnt a lot from their music.

         

Films & TV World: Your most prized possession?

Tattu: A  photo  with  Hemant  Kumar, taken  just  2  months  before  his  death.  I  was  only  eight  years  old.

Films & TV World: Your Favorite Quote?

Tattu: If  music  be  the  food  of  love  then  play  on  and  on  and  on – William  Shakespeare

Films & TV World: Any social cause close to your heart?

Tattu: Poverty.  That’s the root casue of all problems.

Films & TV World: Your message to budding music composers?

Tattu: Believe  in  God,  because  that’s  the  only way  you  can  Believe in Yourself.  Set  a  Goal first  and  later have  only  One Obsession in  your  life - To  reach  your  goal. Work hard towards striving for that goal, have patience and success is sure to come to you.

Films & TV World: When do you think you will come full circle in the field of music?

Tattu: Hhmmm (sighs). May be the day when I will get an Oscar or a Grammy (smiles)...

F&TV World's "Model of the Week" has two promising faces this week...

This week's Male model is "Manpreet Singh" from Kolkata. A Model on the Block, Manpreet is interested in acting, modelling as well as TVCs. Having appeared on the show “Dus ka Dum” with Salman Khan as the host, this Kolkata lad has dabbled a lot with product modeling, ramp modeling and the sort. Manpreet is now keenly focusing on improving his acting skills and is doing Bengali and Hindi films.

Shirin Guha who features as our Female Model in the same section is a model cum actress from Kolkata, but is based at Pune at the moment. Having done her graduation with drama from Rabindra Bharati, she is doing her PG at FTII, Pune. Spotted by Sanghamitra Chaudhuri who gave her a good launch pad in her Hindi feature film “Strings of Passion” opposite Shubh Mukherjee, she is a surprise package to hit the marquee soon. The ones to watch out for, we at FTV wish both Manpreet & Shirin - all the best in their careers and wish them a fabulous future..

In case, you would like to be featured on this “Model of the week” page in our series, mail your portfolios with your contact details on filmsntv@gmail.com. And ya, no need to get disappointed if you don't find your self in the coming week. Who knows, it might be your turn next... Cheers!!

Audition for "Black Rose" - A short film for Film Festival..

A short filmmaker from Delhi, Akash Maithal is doing a short film on a thought provoking subject, majorly targetted at Film Festivals. And for which he is looking for actors who can act voluntarily for the project. If anyone is interested in playing a lead, Contact Akash Maithal on 0-85279 82222 for audition details..

Character requirements for the short film include 2 males in their mid 20s of which one is a guy with a normal / athletic built and the other character  is  a bit over weight. This is also a chance for those of you who are a bit obese and yet keen to get into the field of acting. Also needed a girl in her mid 20s.

So, here's your chance..  Auditions and shoot will be conducted in New Delhi... Try your luck...

Enlighten Film Society to host Tagore film festival in Mumbai in August..

In order to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore, Enlighten Film Society is all set to organise a film festival based on his novel and novellas and other short stories in Mumbai in August. However, as a prelude to the film festival, two films based on his works will be screened this May as a beginning.

"We will celebrate Tagore's birth anniversary by curating two films based on his texts in May, followed by a full-fledged festival in August," Enlighten Film Society founder chairman Pranav Ashar said. "The films that we will be screening this May are Bimal Roy's Kabuliwala (1958) directed by Hemen Gupta, and Kumar Shahani's Char Adhyay (1997). In August, we will provide a more detailed look at Tagore by including works by masters like Satyajit Ray and Tapan Sinha and contemporary artists like Rituparno Ghosh and Suman Mukhopadhyay. Kabuliwala will be screened on 20th May at the Godrej Theatre and Char Adhyay on 27th May at the Little Theatre, both at NCPA, Nariman Point Mumbai," he added.

"Enlighten decided to curate this festival both as an ode to Tagore, his literature, as well as his economic policies which create a politics that leads to the ethics of film production as well as literary adaptation," said Ashar.

Children Directors to be promoted at the 17th International Children’s Film Festival India...

The International Children’s Film Festival India (ICFFI) is a biennial festival that strives to bring the most delightful and imaginative national and international children’s cinema to young audiences in India. Outstanding features, shorts, live action and animation films are screened over seven days of festive celebrations, attended by more than one hundred thousand children and hundreds of film professionals from across the world.

In order to felicitate young talents, this time ICFFI has started a new section for Children Directors and is now inviting entries for the same in the 2011 edition of the 17th International Children’s Film Festival India. Introduced as “Competition Little Directors” section, this section will showcase films made by children (age 6 to 16) who are residents and citizens of India. The last date for submitting entries is July 15, 2011. The biennial festival will be held from November 14- 20, 2011.

Organized by the Children’s Film Society of India, this International Children’s Film Festival India will present both Competition International as well as Competition India sections as usual. These competitive sections carry both cash prizes and awards. Features, shorts and animation films will be screened in the festival.

For Rules and Regulations and the Entry Form log on to http://festival.cfsindia.org and the same can be downloaded from the website.   

Tagore & Talkies..

That Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore is a bright sun in the Indian literary horizon, no one will doubt. But introduce cinema into the discussion, and most draw a blank. Unknown to the masses, Tagore is not just one of the most cinematically adapted writers of all time, and despite a minimal direct involvement with the medium, he has left such an indelible impact on different branches of cinema that its sphere of influence only grows with time.

Most of his novels, novellas and short stories have found their cinematic interpretation in close to 100 films in different languages globally, most notably Bengali. Besides these, there are literally hundreds of films where the branch of music he pioneered, called Rabindra Sangeet, has played an integral part. In many cases, his songs and even poems have inspired complete films.

Thus, though there are a few writers worldwide whose works have been adapted more widely than Tagore (most notably Shakespeare), there is perhaps no one who has influenced and touched cinema in so many different ways, without really getting involved with film.

Adaptations of his work in films

There were those that took and adapted Tagore's work religiously. But there were others who gave his work a new and different interpretation, even while maintaining the essence of the works. Two of the most important people to do this were Satyajit Ray and Tapan Sinha.  The beginning of the talkie era continued the tradition with notable adaptations being Chirakumar Sabha (1932), Sodh Bodh (1942), Gora (1938), Chokher Bali (1938) and Noukadubi (1947). Again, none of these films are available today, thus making a telling statement for the need of restoration in a country that prides itself for making the world's largest number of films annually.

The second half of the 20th century saw many more with Khokababur Pratyabartan in 1960, Megh O Roudra in 1970, Malyadaan (1971), Nishithey (1963), Streer Patra (1972), Mrinal Sen's Ichhapuran (1970), Rabibar (1996) and Rituparno Ghosh's Chokher Bali (2003) among others. In Hindi, Nitin Bose made Milan (1947) starring Dilip Kumar, Sudhendu Roy adapted Samapti in the Malayalam film Upaharam (1972) while Kumar Shahani made Char Adhyay in 1997. Tagore's lyrical novel Sesher Kobita was improvised as a contemporary fictional drama in filmmaker Subrajit Mitra's Indo-French production Mon Amour (2008). Tapan Sinha’s "Kadambini" (A part from Sinha’s - 5 part film "Daughters of this Century" produced by Shunya Communications was adapted from Tagore’s Jibito-O-Mrito.

A still from Kumar Shahani's "Char Adhyay"

Not only did Satyajit Ray use Rabindra Sangeet to convey the essence of many of his films, he adapted quite a few of Tagore's stories into four films and also made a documentary on the Nobel Laureate. In 1961, Ray made Teen Kanya (Three Daughters), on three Tagore short stories - Postmaster, Monihara and Samapti. Interestingly all these three stories have been made into individual films, before and since this film. Charulata (1964) based on Tagore's short story "Noshtonir" won Ray his second Silver Bear for Best Director in the Berlin International Film Festival while Ghare Baire made in 1984 won him a Golden Palm nomination at Cannes International Film Festival.

Besides these, scores of other films in different languages and at different times have been based on Tagore's works; not just his novels, novellas, plays and short stories, but even his poems and songs. An example can be given of Debaki Bose who in an instance of rare cinematic inspiration took four poems of Tagore to make the documentary film Arghya in 1961. Many of Tagore's stories have been adapted and readapted multiple times like his story Naukadubi was adapted three times between 1932 to 1979 with a fourth to be released soon.

A still from Subhash Ghai's "Kashmakash"

Tagore as Director

In 1932, on the occasion of Tagore's 70th birth anniversary, New Theatres, one of the prominent filmmaking studios, arranged the filming of Natir Puja - an adaptation of Tagore's poem Pujarini, which the poet had staged in 1927. This was the only time that Tagore was so closely associated with cinema with the screenplay being written under his guidance by nephew Dinendranath 'Dinu' Tagore and the master composing the background music, with students of Santiniketan acting in the film. Tagore not only directed this dance-drama shot over four days, but also played an important role in the film. Though the film in its entirety has been lost, a portion has been found and restored by NFAI.

Over the years, close to a 100 films, more than half in Bengali, have been made on Tagore's works, making him one of the most adapted writers of all times. This number would have been bigger if many films had not been lost forever. Also many don't even mention Tagore. Adaptations of Tagore's work just don't seem to stop with many more projects being announced in the last few years, ever since Tagore's work came into public domain. Rabindranath Tagore's contribution to cinema thus screams for a more serious attention from scholars of cinema, literature and history itself.

Now available
Keeping this in mind, NFDC has released a compilation of Tagore’s short films on a DVD which includes the cinematic adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s short story “Kabuliwala” along with Tapan Sinha’s “Khudito Pashan”, Satyajit Ray’s “Teen Kanya”, and Kumar Shahani’s “Char Adhyaya”.

“These films are released in DVD format as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Tagore this year. The audience needs to see these iconic films in the new formats,” said NFDC managing director Neena Gupta, who undertook the project under the direction of the Ministry of Culture.

Priced at Rs 399, this DVD set also contains “Natir Puja”, the silent film directed by Tagore himself. Most of these were lying in film archives across India before NFDC decided to restore them last year. The documentary ''Natir Puja'' is a compilation of the available footage of a silent film that was directed by Rabindranath Tagore himself. This was the only film where Tagore was directly involved in the production. Shot over four days on the occasion of his 70th birthday, the film features Tagore himself in an important role.