Tisca Chopra has long been a celebrated name in Indian cinema, known for her standout performances in films such as Taare Zameen Par and Raat Akeli Hai. With a diverse career spanning both mainstream and independent projects, she has now ventured into directing with her debut film, Saali Mohabbat. Produced by ace designer Manish Malhotra, the film recently premiered at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to critical acclaim.
In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Tisca spoke about her journey from actor to director, her collaboration with Manish Malhotra, and how she addresses gender bias in the industry.
The Journey to Becoming a Director
Asked about her directorial debut, Tisca admitted it wasn’t part of her initial dreams.
“Dreams evolve. When you enter the industry, it’s often to be famous, to act, to explore. Over time, I fell in love with stories. Projects like Rahasya, Hungry, and Ankur Arora Murder Case all had storytelling at their core. Eventually, I began writing my own narratives, and people would tell me, ‘You need to direct this.’ That faith in my storytelling gave me the courage to step into direction.”
The opportunity to collaborate with Manish Malhotra came unexpectedly.
“Manish heard one of my narrations, and within three minutes, he said yes. It was that quick. He didn’t see me as a woman or a man; he saw me as a storyteller.”
Tisca revealed that the film’s production journey faced setbacks, including delays due to COVID. Initially, director Anurag Kashyap was meant to produce the project but had to step back due to personal and professional challenges.
“Someone suggested I approach Manish. I remembered working with him during my very first film as an actor, where he designed an unforgettable orange and black dress for me. When I narrated the story, he loved it, and the collaboration took off from there.”
The Complexity of Love
Without giving away too much about Saali Mohabbat, Tisca hinted at its themes.
“The film explores love and its ability to lead you to strange places, sometimes even dead ends. It delves into the complexity of relationships—the joy, the pain, and the deep impact love has on our lives.”
The Challenges of Direction
Tisca confessed that balancing her dual identities as actor and director posed initial challenges.
“At first, the actor in me tried to take over. I would show the cast how to perform a scene, which was a mistake. Working with such talented actors, I realised I needed to trust them. Letting them interpret the material brought magic to their performances.”
Directing Anurag Kashyap on her first day on set added to her nerves.
“Can you imagine? Directing the Anurag Kashyap on day one! He kept teasing me, saying, ‘Director hai ab tum.’ It was nerve-wracking but ultimately a rewarding experience.”
Gender Bias in Bollywood
Tisca addressed the issue of gender bias in the industry with a nuanced perspective.
“Gender bias exists if you let it dominate your mindset. I’ve been lucky to attract collaborators who resonate with my energy and vision. For instance, Manish saw me for my storytelling ability, not my gender.”
However, she acknowledged the broader challenges women face, sharing insights from conversations with cinematographer Priya Seth.
“Priya is immensely talented but still struggles to secure projects. This isn’t unique to her; it’s a reflection of the industry’s broader biases.”
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Future Plans and a Sequel
With the success of Saali Mohabbat, Tisca is already looking ahead.
“We’ve written Saali Mohabbat 2. The first film was designed with an open ending, paving the way for a sequel. It’s exciting to dive deeper into these characters.”
Speaking of her cast, Tisca couldn’t praise them enough.
“Working with Radhika Apte, Divyenndu, Anshuman Pushkar, and Anurag Kashyap was a blessing. Their performances were a masterclass. Directing them has made me a better actor, while my acting experience enhanced my understanding of direction.”
A Storyteller at Heart
Tisca Chopra’s journey from acting to directing underscores her passion for storytelling. As she puts it:
“It’s not about being a woman or a man. It’s about telling stories that matter. I’m grateful to have collaborators who see me for my vision, not my gender.”
With Saali Mohabbat receiving accolades and a sequel in the works, Tisca is poised to make her mark behind the camera as a visionary storyteller.
