Tell us about the movie.
Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho is a social and political satire. The falsities in the systems are revealed through the protagonist, an aam aadmi.
You say Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho suggested itself to you on its own....
Of the many cases of corruption I read about, there was this one particular case in a report and realised it had the potential to be told.
Why this movie now?
In recent years, audiences have accepted non-commercial, good quality cinema. I decided it was time for this movie.
The reason behind choosing Hapur in western Uttar Pradesh as a setting?
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I was in Hapur writing the script when I realised that it could admirably stand in for the setting—a Rajasthan village.
What triggered the choice of actors?
I was building characters in my mind while writing the script. Om Puri, Annu Kapoor, Ravi Kishan seemed to be in perfect sync with them.
After 100 documentaries, why a film?
I wanted the audience to know a certain truth, but it wasn’t straight enough to be told through a documentary; the form has its limitations.
Why the transition to films?
I always wanted to...I plan to do one movie in three years, giving me enough time for journalism, while working on my dream to work with Amitabh Bachchan.
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Your debutant director experience....
I had a well-experienced team that did excellent work; this made my experience as a debutant director easy and enjoyable.
Expectations from the film?
The script is the hero and I believe it is going to be the next Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro.
Your hobbies?
I enjoy gymming and running. I was a marathon runner till 2005.
