Pages from one's life
Director-
scriptwriter Pravesh Bhardwaj 's wife has collaborated in writing
the story. Bhardwaj says that the story has its origins in his
personal life. Lucknow has happy memories for both of them. Bhardwaj
is from Bareilli, and his wife is from Behraich (in Uttar Pradesh,
on the broader with Nepal); and Lucknow was the meeting place
for them. Their romance blossomed in Lucknow and Bhardwaj who
nurtured film making ambitions had vowed that he would one day
produce a film or a serial which would have Lucknow as a pivotal
point.
Lucknow's
old palaces, its Urdu language, and the soft-spoken, gentle Nawabs
are among the memories . Mumbai was included in the script "to
allow a common person to identify with the story, " says Bhardwaj.
Director
Bhardwaj explaining a scene to Juhi and costar |
Although
Shaheen is his first independent project, Bhardwaj is
confident.
"
Every thing is cooked in my mind before I actually start
the shoot. As far as possible I give the script to the actors
well in advance to prepare. As I am a writer, I know what
I want to convey," he says.
|
Bhardwaj
has a strong background in direction. He was an apprentice and
assistant to Mr. Shyam Benegal (Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda),
Gulzar (Kirdar), Aruna Raje Patil (Bhairavi) and Govind Nihalani
(Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Ma).
His
clear focus, knowing what he wants and doesn't, makes life easier
for actors and the production team. The planning is meticulous.
"All
leading actors are intimated about the schedule well in advance.
It becomes easier for them. It helps us to manage our time," says
Bhardwaj.
|
"All
leading actors are intimated about the schedule well in
advance. It becomes easier for them. It helps us to manage
our time," says Bhardwaj.
Post-production,
and writing future episodes are completed in Mumbai.
|
Bhardwaj
along with the producer (in a white shirt) having a word
with the actors
|
Bhardwaj
believes in working on one project at a time. He is not involved
in other serials or films for now.
Parvesh
switched locales from Lucknow to Bhopal, as he could not find
the right vacant place in Lucknow. As the current location the
big palatial haveli Shifa Manzil was available, he leased it.
Read
more
