Guess who won an INTERNATIONAL Film Award??

The director-producer won an international award for his short film.

It becomes inevitable when you have talented actors like Manish Raishinghan, Barkha Bisht and Srishty Rode acting in a film together, that the film does not turn out to be an amazing one.

However, if you are wondering why are these telly actors associated with the word, ‘film’? Relax…

Well, we are talking about the much appreciated short film, ‘Ankahee Baatein’. But, as much as the actors are talented and the script is amazing, a good film can never be great without a maestro director and producer.

And that person is none other than Manav Bhinder. Manav is the producer, director and co-writer of the short film, ‘Ankahee Baatein’ which recently bagged the Award of Merit at the Best Shorts Competition in the United States of America (USA).

A passionate traveller and a backpacker by heart, in a conversation with Manav, he spilled beans over his experience with Ankahee Baatein and his reaction to the wonderful response.

So, Manav, firstly congratulations on the achievement and please tell us how did films happen to you?
Thank you! Well, it all dates back to the time when I was a student at the Whistling Woods International Institute where I developed my passion for making films. I made short films like ‘Dor’ with Parineeti Chopra followed by ‘Phir Ek Baar’ with Sameer Soni and Mandira Bedi. Later, I went on to pursue a script writing course at the Bournemouth University, United Kingdom. Also, I feel fortunate to have worked in three industries, where apart from Bollywood and television, I also had the chance to work on Hollywood film, ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ starring Tom Cruise, as an intern and as a production assistant on the British film, ‘Vendetta’.

That’s fantastic. Please tell us something about the award winning film, ‘Ankahee Baatein’..
This short film is my first attempt as a producer and fifth film as a director. I have also co-written the film. When the movie was released in different festivals, the response it got was overwhelming. It was initially screened at the Kala Ghoda festival attended by several TV actors and soon it went on to win numerous other honours. People have been telling me , that the story is amazing and they relate a lot to Barkha’s (female lead) character. So, I feel great that the film is loved so much.

The short film has a lot of television actors having different roles, so how exactly does it classify?
Well, Manish and Barkha play the lead role whereas there is a special appearance by actress, Srishty Rode. Apart from that, Avika Gor has worked as the script supervisor for the film, Salil Acharya has done the radio bit and Suyyash Rai has sung a song for it. So, it does have a lot of telly people expressing their support. It also has Filmfare award winning editor, Arif Sheikh as the editor and talented background score composer, Surender Singh as the background score composer. So, it’s a great mix of television and Bollywood together.

After this amazing achievement, what lies ahead for this film?
Well, it is just the beginning. The film has been chosen to premiere in the Shorts Corner category at the Cannes film festival on the 16th May 2016. I feel honoured and humbled to infinity. I am excited to know what else is in store for this film. Such appreciation motivates a person so much and enables you to keep going.

We are sure this motivation will lead you to bring in a lot more brilliant art pieces, Manav. Congratulations!