WORK COMES FIRST: YAMI ASSURED PRODUCERS
The Chandigarh girl returned to her hometown only after wrapping up pending projects in Mumbai
Producer Mansi Bagla and filmmaker G Ashok have collaborated together under the banner of Mini Films and bought the rights for the Hindi remakes of three South Indian films. Preparations have begun to get these films on the floor as soon as possible.
Besides, Bagla is also gearing up for her directorial debut with a Marathi film, which will be a remake of the 2017 Telugu romanticcomedy, Ninnu Kori.
Talking about her big announcements, she says, “I fell in love with cinema at a young age and direction has been my dream. G Ashok sir showed me a way and under his training and mentorship, today, I’m all ready to direct my first film. Content in Marathi films is very rich and the stories are told true to form. I made my decision after meeting Ashok sir because I know he will guide me in the right direction.”
However, the decision to direct and acquire rights for movies didn’t happen overnight. “It’s the result of a robust groundwork along with my team for years. I’m not backed by any insider or outsider. I have come till here on my own with my hard work, dedication and perseverance. I want to be known because of my skills and I am ready to work 24x7 with good collaborations. I want to make and work on quality cinema,” she shares.
Bagla further adds, “I hired top consultants, who used my homework, skills, and money, but gave zero outcome. Ultimately, one has to go by their own gut, and I did that and I got the results.
Back in March, when the lockdown kicked in, it caught many by surprise. Yami Gautam, too, was stuck in Mumbai, with just her maid for company. The actor, who hails from Chandigarh, kept herself busy with “cooking and work”.
“It wasn’t easy at all, especially in the initial days (of lockdown),” says Gautam, adding, “But then, I got used to it (living alone). As for my professional commitments, I had assured all my producers that I won’t leave the city till I complete my job.”
In fact, while dubbing her portions for an upcoming film, she got a health scare. “It was tough to step out, as the fear always plays on your mind. But on the third day, I felt a bit
I have spent huge money on signing consultants and brokers.”
Mini Films is working on developing various stories. Bagla and G Ashok are planning a horror- comedy with writerdirector Raaj Shaandilyaa.
G Ashok sir showed me a way and under his training and mentorship, today, I’m all ready to direct my first film. MANSI BAGLA, PRODUCER
unwell with a slight fever and breathlessness. I was very distressed, but I went for some home remedies including kadha etc. that my mother had suggested. And thankfully, I was absolutely fine in 2-3 days,” says the actor.
A few days ago, after wrapping up all her work commitments in Mumbai, she decided to fly to Chandigarh to be with her family. “That flying experience, too, was so new with all those protective gear and guidelines etc. You end up feeling extremely anxious,” says the actor, who quarantined herself for two weeks after reaching home.
For the past few weeks, Gautam has been “spending some great quality time” with her family. “I know the pandemic has been extremely tough but at the same time, it has also given many people, like me, an opportunity to spend such lovely time with our loved ones. Otherwise, when do you get so much time with your family?” says the actor, who has Ginny Weds Sunny, with actor Vikrant Massey, readying to release on an OTT platform soon.
Gautam has signed a few new films, but is waiting for the makers to announce them. “They are also waiting for an opportune time to talk about it. For me too, talking about work feels a bit different now (laughs). But I am happy that I’d be doing some exciting work in the coming days. They are extremely different from one another,” says the Kaabil actor, who feels “getting back to work like earlier would be a challenge”.