I’ll never make a film to promote my family, says Kaushik Ganguly

Filmmaker Kaushik Ganguly and actordirector Churni Ganguly’s son Ujaan is all set to make his acting debut with director Pavel’s upcoming film, Rasogolla. It is common for filmmakers and actors to launch their children, but Ganguly does not believe in making films just to provide a launchpad to his family.

“I can never design a film keeping in mind my family members. I have seen directors and producer making bad films just to cast their family,” says Ganguly.

However, no stranger to working with a family member — having collaborated with wife Churni for several projects, including Waarish (2004), Shunyo E Buke (2005), Shabdo (2013), and the recent Drishtikone, — will Ganguly direct a film starring both Churni and Ujaan?

“I feel it should come naturally. You don’t have to go ahead and design a film like that. The moment I manoeuvre the plot,

I will spoil the film. If it comes automatically, I will surely go ahead, but I won’t make a film to promote my family.”

Kaushik says that neither he nor Churni ever forced their son—currently studying in Jadavpur University — to take up the same profession. In fact, they even left it to him to choose whatever he wants from among his chosen pursuits — acting, direction, music, or painting.

“He is a very good student. He is very talented, he sings well. I have seen him on stage acting, and with the understanding, I have of actors, I think that he will be a good actor. We didn’t force him to do anything. There are so many options [that] we have left it to him to choose what he wants to do. He has done a film, Rasogolla, he has done the lead role, and I have heard that he has done a good job. I am waiting for the film to come to the big screen. I wish him all the success for his film,” adds the proud father.

I have seen directors and producer making bad films just to cast their family...The moment I manoeuvre the plot, I will spoil the film.

KAUSHIK GANGULY FILMMAKER