Aanand L Rai, who transitioned from studying computer engineering to becoming a prominent filmmaker, recently shared insights about his career and personal experiences. Known for films like Tanu Weds Manu and Raanjhanaa, Rai’s journey into cinema was marked by persistence and passion.
Early Struggles and Breakthrough
Rai’s path to filmmaking was far from straightforward. Despite his engineering background, his true interest lay in storytelling. He recounted how he faced numerous rejections, particularly for his film Tanu Weds Manu, which was rejected around 35 times. Rai humorously noted that every time they faced a setback, he and writer Himanshu Sharma would treat themselves to a meal worth Rs 500. Reflecting on their struggle, he said, “If we had saved that money, we could have bought a small Nano car.”
Despite these challenges, Rai’s determination paid off. After years of persistence and eventually starting his own production house, he achieved significant success. Rai now looks back on his journey with pride and sees both success and failure as integral to his growth.
Influence of Women in His Life
Rai’s films often feature strong female characters, reflecting his personal respect for women. He credited the women in his life—his mother, wife, and female colleagues—as key influences. He emphasized, “I have never seen women as inferior or weaker. They are capable and strong in every way.” Rai’s respect for women is evident in the characters he creates, who often embody strength and complexity.
Challenges and Triumphs
Rai shared that he has always treated success and failure with equanimity. He revealed that he does not focus on box office numbers or success metrics but rather on his passion for filmmaking. His attitude towards both success and failure remains grounded, as he believes that both are part of the journey. “I have never been insecure about my work,” he said, acknowledging that he always receives love from his audience, regardless of a film’s commercial success.
The Evolution of Pulp Fiction
Rai discussed his film Haseen Dilruba, which delves into pulp fiction—a genre that features sensational and often provocative content. He explained that the genre holds a special place in Indian culture, often encountered in everyday life, such as on railway journeys. “Hindi pulp has had a profound impact on us,” Rai said. He recognized that this genre has a unique appeal and resonates with audiences, as reflected in the characters of Haseen Dilruba, played by Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, and others.
Shift to OTT Platforms
Originally intended for theatrical release, Haseen Dilruba shifted to an OTT platform due to the pandemic and subsequent theater closures. Rai decided to release the film on OTT, acknowledging that it had already garnered a strong fan base online. He noted that the decision was made with careful consideration, given the changing landscape of film distribution.
The Grey Side of Characters
Rai’s films are known for their complex, grey characters rather than traditional heroes or villains. He believes that flaws make characters more relatable and interesting. “Clean characters don’t make stories work,” Rai asserted. He drew a parallel with his personal life, explaining that his family understands his commitment to filmmaking, even if it sometimes means missing personal events like parent-teacher meetings.
In summary, Aanand L Rai’s journey from computer engineering to filmmaking has been marked by resilience and creativity. His reflections on his career, influences, and the evolution of pulp fiction provide a glimpse into the mind of a filmmaker who values both storytelling and authenticity.
