First time filmmaker Shadaab Mirza makes India proud

Tellychakkar.com exclusively reported recently about debutant film director Shadaab Mirza’s feature film Barkhaa being selected by the prestigious Australian Film Festival IFEFA.

Well, the good news is that in a glittering ceremony held yesterday night at Liverpool, Sydney, the young director has bagged the ‘Best Debut Director’ award for his maiden feature film.

A beaming Shadaab thanked the entire Barkhaa team on stage and insisted that he couldn’t have done this without the joint efforts of everyone in the team. Singling out his producer Shabana Azmi, also a first timer, Shadaab says it was largely her conviction towards the unusual story, unusual cast and the first time director that shaped the final product. “She is the best producer for a newcomer like me,” stated Shadaab. “She never interfered, and showed unwavering faith towards my film.”

Actor Ashiesh Roy, who plays a pivotal role in the film, was all over the moon on hearing the news of Shadaab’s win. “There was never any doubt about Shadaab’s potential. He started off as a dubbing assistant to the legendary Leela Ghosh, where I was a dubbing artiste and writer, and it was always special with him at the helm. His command over local languages is excellent, as his keen observation and cinematic skills are laudable. Later, when he turned filmmaker last year, I was hoping he would cast me. And he did, I believe, by replacing Mahesh Manjerekar! I can never thank him enough for this film, for which I have good some great reviews.”

Being a self-confessed fan of Guru Dutt and Mahesh Bhatt, Shadaab was happy to announce that he has been signed for his next film by Bhamla Entertainment. Producers Suhel Bhamla and Saif Khan are first timers too, but they have really liked his story, and pre-production on the film shall commence shortly.

Rounding off, we asked the young director if he felt any pressure, now that he has won the “Best Debut Director” Award. “Yes. Of  course. Now that I have won it, I have to live up to the expectations of all the people who have liked my first film. I will make sure that my next release is even more entertaining.”

Well, here’s wishing this bright newcomer all the best, and may he continue bringing more glories to the country.