Sandeep Singh Bursts Out On Not Being Invited For Award Shows: I Don't Have Khans Or Kapoors In My Films

Filmmaker Sandeep Singh who has earlier produced movies like 'Mary Kom', 'Aligarh', 'Sarbjit', and 'Jhund' among others has donned the director's hat with 'Safed'. AR Rahman unveiled the first look of the film at Cannes 2022. 'Safed' is a story of a widow Kaali (Meera Chopra) who finds love with Chaandi, a eunuch played by Abhay Verma. We have seen transgenders' stories or stories of widows but a lover story between a widow and a eunuch is something fresh that Sandeep has offered to the audiences. 'Safed' premiered on Zee5 on December 29. 

Unlike other filmmakers, Sandeep is not obsessed with actors or stardom. In an interview with Outlook India, Sandeep Singh opened up on why he chose this subject as his directorial debut, his struggles as an outsider and a lot more. Here are the excerpts from the interview:

Why did you choose this topic as your debut?

I chose this because I knew that nobody would choose these kinds of subjects, actors or characters. Because in Bollywood, people are only looking for stars, projects or films which will do well at the box office and give them money. As a producer, I have never looked at the box office. Yes, that only defines success in businessmen's minds but filmmakers like me are very sure what stories should be told through cinema which is the biggest medium to convey the message. Through my films, I want the youth to realise what kind of good things they can take if they watch and follow the right path. Through Safed I want to make sure that people do not call transgenders 'third gender'. Please don't do that. I requested the Supreme Court and begged them that if a country like Nepal has given equal rights, it's time for India to stand by them and give them the right to live and be happy with their choices and sexuality. 

'Safed' deals with a sensitive topic. How did you go forward with it?

Since 2006, I have been doing the research for this film. I knew that nobody would believe in my writing or my subject or direction because just wanted their benefits. So, people used me and my talent for their jobs and nobody wanted to give money for this film. Safed has been made in Rs 50 lakhs and shot in 10 days only in Banaras. All the actors, singers, musicians, technicians and post-production have been done absolutely for free. That is what this kind of film could have been told and made. 

It was such a great achievement that 'Safed's first look was unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival

I am thankful to AR Rahman Saab who launched our film at the prestigious film festival and he didn't take any money for it. It did it just by looking at the subject and the film. He also believed that the story should be told. 

Were there any apprehensions while making it?

No. Had there been any apprehension, I wouldn't have made the film. But I am very proud that I have made a film like Safed which is told through a love story. I will always be there to support transgenders, widows and people who are looked down upon. I request they allow filmmakers and creative people like us to tell their stories. 

In one of the interviews, you said that you are not called for any award shows. Why so?

The sad part is influencers who have followers like Orry, are called for award functions. It has been 20 years, I have not received a single reputed award function invitation, nor Filmfare, IIFA, or Stardust, nobody has invited me. Sadly, they don't even acknowledge us despite making some of the great movies. Also, I am an outsider and not a son of Yash Chopra or Karan Johar. Also, I am not part of any Bollywood camps. I make boring films that don't do Rs 500 crore at the box office. I don't have stars in my films or Khans or Kapoors in my films. So, why should they invite me? 

Is it difficult to survive in the industry as an outsider?

Yes, it is. It is a very painful journey not only in Bollywood but also in the cricket world, politics, everywhere. But our industry has lots of ego. People in our industry only think about themselves, they don't understand other's pain. Everybody goes through a difficult journey of making a film. Sometimes actors give you trouble while sometimes producers or technicians do. To put everything together and make a film and release, the relationships go for a toss because we are not handling actors, we are handling egos. 

What's the update on your collaboration with Kangana Ranaut?

Kangana and I have been friends for 15 years and we have been trying to work together but she became a star. She is also very particular about subjects. Her films are also very expensive. The day I find the right financer who can fund an expensive film, which Kangana and I want to collaborate with, we will come together and make that film at the right time in the right way.

2020 was a traumatic year for all of us due to the demise of Sushant Singh Rajput. It also affected you a lot. Are you over it now?

It was the worst year and I would like to delete that from my life. If this is the consequence of supporting a friend and his family, it's ok and I will still maintain the friendship. SSRians are there to comment and point fingers at my mother and sister, please stop that. Don't ever dare to point fingers at them. Sushant was my friend and my brother and I fulfilled my duty and responsibility when no one was with him. I was always with him and fingers were raised on me. SSRians should be ashamed of it. 

It has been three years and still, the investigation is going on. What do you have to say about it?

I think people should believe in the judiciary and the government system. Things take time. Even a child takes time to be born and grow. Let the system decide justice for Sushant than we becoming the system and decide who is right or wrong. 

Recently, you said in one of the interviews that you won't make any film on Sushant. Do you also want other filmmakers not to encash money by making films on him?

I am not a big person to give suggestions but I would like to say to everyone that please don't utilise the fame and the media strategy over your film and earn money because Sushant has gone and maybe he was not happy and in a happy space now. Please leave me and him alone and let us have our grief and happiness in whatever way we can. But I will never ever make a film on Sushant Singh Rajput and I will always be his friend and a brother.