Shinde’s sensational SHINDIG
She has won many hearts worldwide with her debut film that has a strong message on womanhood
She takes it in her stride, when you call her India’s Meryl Streep and for good reasons. We meet film maker Gauri Shinde, who won a huge applause for her directorial debut
English Vinglish, to know what’s up her sleeve next. The lady got a pat on the back from the whole nation, for bringing the story of an Indian housewife battling with language issues is still reeling with its success.
With over 100 short films and ad films to her credit, she could have been the youngest filmmaker, but she was in no rush to make a full-length feature film. The lady with curly locks, shares, “Firstly I didn’t think of the results of the film, so had no idea how the film will do in the theatres eventually. I took so long to make a film because, I wanted to wait for a subject that I felt deeply about and was excited about. I needed to feel desperate to tell a story that was worth my time and audience time. I was waiting for something really exciting. So when I saw what had happened to my mom, I was inspired to make a film on it with a powerful message for womankind.”
When Gauri first met Sridevi, the duo struck a bond instantly. Ask her about any incident she remembers from the time she spent with Sridevi and she is happy to reply. “Most of the time I have spent with Sridevi has been memorable. She is a super fun person to hang around with. Also, she has got the most incredible sense of humour. Once when I was unwell on the sets, she was so caring and even got me food from her home. Her home cooked food is always yummy. She knows I love fish, so she makes it a point to send me that.”
The Pune lass shares a special connection with Bengaluru and has fond memories of the city. Gauri is married to director, R Balki. We ask if she can recall some moments she cherishes? “Bengaluru has been part of my life, ever since I was a kid. I visited my cousins who lived in Mysore and Bengaluru regularly. My husband is from Bengaluru and his family still lives in the city. I also have a few friends I know and try and meet everytime I come here. It’s an awesome place in terms of weather, people, food and the general vibe. I love eating in various places here; from Koshy’s to Nagarjuna to Halli Mane to Airlines and Corner House. I have stayed around the Nrityagram, so that is also one place which is special to me. I think it’s an amazing area for any artist.”
And then we ask the inevitable that everyone is waiting to know. What’s Gauri’s next project going to be? She signs off saying, “I haven’t started work on my next project, but I have been ideating and waiting for a Eureka moment.”