My Cannes is my audience, says Nalin Singh

An alumnus of Delhi University’s Hindu College, Nalin Singh always wanted to make a film on hostel life. And the actordirector has fulfilled his wish with his latest directorial venture My Virgin Diary. Based on his personal experience, the film highlights how the time spent in a hostel shapes one’s personality.

“Life during college days is wonderful, especially if you live in a hostel. I remember how much I have learned from my friends and seniors. While I had director Neeraj Pandey as a batchmate, [filmmaker] Imtiaz Ali was my senior. We had formed this nukkad natak society called Parivartan,” says Nalin, adding that the film is dedicated to his close friend and classmate Arun Jaiswal, who had committed suicide sometime back.

“Arun and I were thick as thieves. Arun was someone who had leadership qualities, and would always ask questions on life, education, sex and romance,” adds Nalin.

Interestingly, My Virgin Diary — a full-length movie — will only have a digital release today. “Digital is the way ahead. I am happy with the response we have been receiving about the film. It’s almost a no-budget film and will release on many digital platforms in India and abroad. I want everyone to watch the film on the go, on their phones,” he says.

“It’s a wrong strategy of Indian filmmakers to get a stamp from the West to prove how good or bad their films are. My Cannes is my audience,” adds Nalin, who has already started working on the sequel to the film, Rockstar Diaries.

Actordirector Nalin Singh knows directors Neeraj Pandey and Imtiaz Ali from college