Looking back at your journey, the one thing you would have done differently?
Honestly, I wouldn't like to change anything. Success and failure are both very important in one's life, and you have to take the positive route and learn from your failures.
How has the Indian cinema industry changed with OTT in play?
Well I think it has changed dramatically. In the past, when we spoke about theatrical films, the pressure was always on the box office. The economics of cinema played a crucial role. When it comes to OTT, the business is still very much in play but it gives you the opportunity to explore a lot more and we've seen that with a lot of web series. Also, with OTT there’s been a huge influx of great talent, which is now transcending into mainstream films. You end up creating a far superior product when you have the best of talent.
The most challenging film project you have worked on. How did you overcome the challenge?
The most challenging film that we worked on would be Chaar Sahibzaade , which was an animated film. It was a first-time attempt for us as at animation. We came from a feature film background, so we had to learn a lot. A lot of time, energy, and effort went into that, a lot of trial and errors, a lot of mistakes, certainly over budget, but eventually it did pay off. When you face a lot of challenges and you're met with resounding success, it is always a great memory to cherish.
Upcoming projects you are excited about.
We have an exciting lineup of films ahead. We recently released Vettaiyan - The Hunter starring Rajnikant, Amitabh Bachchan, Rana Daggubati, Fahadh Faasil, and other talented actors, produced by Lyca Productions. The film is currently playing in theatres across North India. Up next is Maharagni - Queen of Queens with Kajol, Prabhudeva, and Naseeruddin Shah. Following that, we have a film called MRS. in collaboration with Jio Studios, starring Sanya Malhotra and directed by Arati Kadav. We also have a couple of more films in the lineup, which we will announce when the time is right. Additionally, we have finished production on a couple of shows that will be released soon.
Where do you see yourself in the next two years?
I would like for us to be known as one of the strongest content production houses in the country, since content is the backbone of all the work we do. And, that's where I believe our strength lies.
If you were to pick another career option. What would that be?
If I was to think of a completely different profession, then I would probably be in the service industry, like maybe a restauranteur, since I enjoy hosting people and being hospitable.
Your favourite movie?
Maine Pyar Kiya.
A life motto you live by.
I wouldn’t call it a motto but a technique. It is called zooming out. Whenever you're faced with a tough problem, you should zoom out of your life, a year, two years, maybe five years. And then you realise that you've probably been through situations like this earlier, or that there is so much more to life. Your perspective changes and the problem doesn’t seem tough anymore.
What does success mean to you?
Gratification and love for the content that we put out, and the hope that it resonates with people.
