‘Direction requires curiosity to understand how things work and why they matter,’ says a budding filmmaker 

Vrinda Sharma’s passion for filmmaking and direction blossomed during her college years, particularly through her involvement in the Ariels, the English Theatre Society of Miranda House. “Initially an actor, I transitioned into direction during my second year, eventually
co-directing a production staged at Akshara Theatre in my third year. Seeking to expand my knowledge, I pursued a filmmaking course at Delhi University, where I honed my skills in screenplay writing and direction under the mentorship of my teacher, Syed Ajaz Raza. This journey has fuelled my desire to immerse myself in every aspect of filmmaking, from the intricacies of storytelling to the technical nuances of production,” explains the 23-year old, who is currently pursuing her Post Graduate Diploma in Management in Mass Communication from Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC). 

It clearly states that the Apeejay student has been captivated by the allure of cinema since her childhood. In this interview, she throws light on her recent production work and shares key learnings from the same. Read edited excerpts:

What inspired you to direct this particular play?

Directing the production on Amrita Pritam was driven by a deep connection to her story’s raw authenticity. I was drawn to the ample creative potential it offered. Our focus was on crafting a woman-centric narrative, exploring Amrita’s journey as both a poet and a person. Music and lighting were key elements in evoking mood and emotion, enriching the storytelling experience. Our aim as a team was to celebrate Amrita’s resilience and complexity, offering audiences a compelling glimpse into her soul.

How did you gain interest in direction/production? Tell us about your learning journey?

My interest in direction and production sprouted from a childhood immersed in cinema and music at home. Bonding with my father over Amitabh Bachchan’s films and enjoying classics featuring Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, Julia Roberts, Parveen Babi, Smita Patil, Johnny Depp, Shashi Kapoor, Jack Nicholson, and John Travolta, to name a few, with my mother and brother, ignited my fascination with storytelling. Every evening, our family ritual includes listening to our favourite artists such as Queen, Wham!, Kishore Kumar, Starship, and Mohammed Rafi, which over the years has deepened my appreciation for the arts. This familial influence, coupled with my exploration of theatre in college, solidified my passion for creative expression and narrative exploration.

How is AIMC helping you to groom for a career in production? What are your future aspirations?

Apeejay has provided me with an invaluable platform to nurture my talents and refine my skills for a career in production. The support and guidance from professors have been instrumental in my growth. Through initiatives like Kathakar, I’ve had the opportunity to showcase my creativity, including acting, directing, co-writing scripts, and experimenting with lighting and music.

Presently, I’m interning with FCB India in their Films and Production division. This opportunity allows me to delve into the intricate process of creating advertising films. I’m gaining first-hand experience in tasks such as collaborating with directors, negotiating costs, and managing budgets. Apart from this, I’m still exploring different areas within the media industry to determine where I might best fit. My aim is to gain insights into various fields to make an informed decision about my future career path.

What are some of the key things to remember or challenges you faced in direction?

Direction requires curiosity to understand how things work and why they matter. Challenges, like staging scenes, finding the most suitable props to name a few, are part of the job, but overcoming them is where creativity shines. Balancing vision with practicality needs good communication and problem-solving skills. Understanding people is vital for getting genuine performances. Overall, direction means always learning, adapting, and  facing obstacles with a positive attitude to tell stories effectively.