Filmmaker Leena Yadav rises from the "SHABD" ashes to break new ground by socking a lethal casting coup-the Big B with Sir Ben Kingsley! In this exclusive with Monojit Lahiri, the director of "Teen Patti" narrates how it all happened, the experience of working with this deadly duo… & much, much more!
She’s one hell of a freako! Studied science in school. Dreamt of becoming an architect in college – and almost made it. Wandered into doing economics honours at LSR Delhi (thanks to peer pressure) and ended up getting a first division. Moved to Mumbai from Delhi to pursue a course in media at Sophia. Charged, she leapt into a variety of jobs that included editing, writing and directing – mostly in the area of TVCs and later television programmes. In 2005, she made her directorial debut with the Sanjay Dutt–Ash starrer “Shabd”. Critically acclaimed, it was, however, perceived as too intellectual by the howling mobs. Shaken, not stirred, the lady returns with renewed vigour and all cylinders firing to offer “Teen Patti”, due to release this Friday, 26th of February.
How did “Teen Patti” happen? The idea came out of a conversation with the music director Vishal Dadlani over a cup of coffee. “He was narrating to me a real-life card scam and thought it could be an interesting theme to pursue. I was immediately taken in, big time and it coincided with my desire to do a film targeting the youth”. Thereafter she researched like hell on global card scams, spoke to and met people, saw documentaries on them… And got even more excited and convinced that this was the platform to connect with the youth. “Teen Patti” has three generations, so, it felt very right. “When I started writing the script, however, it was another ball game! I soon realised that I couldn’t write it alone and needed help. I’ve been a great admirer of Shiv Subramaniam’s work (“Parinda”, “1942 – A Love Story”, “Chameli”, “Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi”) and invited him to come on board. He graciously agreed and we soon went about brainstorming, creating and destroying a whole lot of characters, events … It was truly fantastic!”
And, Mr Bachchan? “After the first draft was ready, we narrated it to Ambika Hinduja, who loved it and wanted to produce it. That was great! Next, we decided (after a lot of thinking) that the role of the protagonist, Venkat Subramaniam needed the stature and aura of the Big B. We sought an appointment, met him, narrated the basic storyline and I think I kept speaking – passionately and honestly – about the project, way beyond the stipulated time given to us. Mr Bachchan had told us, initially, that he would go through the script in detail and if he felt comfortable, would get back to us. Suddenly, I heard him say (like in a dream?) “But relax, your Venkat Subramaniam is in front of you!” I was floored, blown, speechless! We couldn’t imagine, in our wildest dreams, that the towering inferno would be so generous with a new filmmaker and team, so soon …”
She’s one hell of a freako! Studied science in school. Dreamt of becoming an architect in college – and almost made it. Wandered into doing economics honours at LSR Delhi (thanks to peer pressure) and ended up getting a first division. Moved to Mumbai from Delhi to pursue a course in media at Sophia. Charged, she leapt into a variety of jobs that included editing, writing and directing – mostly in the area of TVCs and later television programmes. In 2005, she made her directorial debut with the Sanjay Dutt–Ash starrer “Shabd”. Critically acclaimed, it was, however, perceived as too intellectual by the howling mobs. Shaken, not stirred, the lady returns with renewed vigour and all cylinders firing to offer “Teen Patti”, due to release this Friday, 26th of February.
How did “Teen Patti” happen? The idea came out of a conversation with the music director Vishal Dadlani over a cup of coffee. “He was narrating to me a real-life card scam and thought it could be an interesting theme to pursue. I was immediately taken in, big time and it coincided with my desire to do a film targeting the youth”. Thereafter she researched like hell on global card scams, spoke to and met people, saw documentaries on them… And got even more excited and convinced that this was the platform to connect with the youth. “Teen Patti” has three generations, so, it felt very right. “When I started writing the script, however, it was another ball game! I soon realised that I couldn’t write it alone and needed help. I’ve been a great admirer of Shiv Subramaniam’s work (“Parinda”, “1942 – A Love Story”, “Chameli”, “Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi”) and invited him to come on board. He graciously agreed and we soon went about brainstorming, creating and destroying a whole lot of characters, events … It was truly fantastic!”
And, Mr Bachchan? “After the first draft was ready, we narrated it to Ambika Hinduja, who loved it and wanted to produce it. That was great! Next, we decided (after a lot of thinking) that the role of the protagonist, Venkat Subramaniam needed the stature and aura of the Big B. We sought an appointment, met him, narrated the basic storyline and I think I kept speaking – passionately and honestly – about the project, way beyond the stipulated time given to us. Mr Bachchan had told us, initially, that he would go through the script in detail and if he felt comfortable, would get back to us. Suddenly, I heard him say (like in a dream?) “But relax, your Venkat Subramaniam is in front of you!” I was floored, blown, speechless! We couldn’t imagine, in our wildest dreams, that the towering inferno would be so generous with a new filmmaker and team, so soon …”
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