Ticket to Bollywood

Filmmaker Sanjay Ghosh is on a mission to Punjab. Set to make his debut as an independent director with Ishq Bada Bedardi,Ghosh is travelling across the region on the look-out for actors to cast in his first film. “One can’t ignore Punjab’s contribution to Bollywood. Right from Prithvi Raj Kapoor to present day,Punjab has been the hub of talent and has offered inspirations for looks,music,locations,stories et al. So,when it comes to looking for actors for my film,Punjab is the first and last stop,” remarked Ghosh.

With no filmi background or cinematic education,Ghosh is a self-taught filmmaker who made his journey from Kolkata via Nagpur to Mumbai. “I finished my Class X and went on to assist in a film. Then I went back to complete my studies and did another film. I completed my graduation while assisting directors on various projects,” he reminisces. After assisting filmmakers such as Mukul S Anand on Mahasangram and Hum,working for films such as Baaghi and Mardangi and directing television shows such as Sahara’s Mujrim Kaun,Ghosh decided to put his experiences to good use.

But for someone who admits he can’t relate to “candy floss cinema”,his own film tells a youthful,romantic story. “My stories are not illogical but more down to earth,” assures Ghosh,adding how for Ishq Bada Bedardi,he’s focussing on “fresh,young and innocent faces.”

Written by him as well,the film is being produced by Beat 7’s Neeta Shah and will star Tusshar Kapoor and Shreyas Talpade in lead roles. In Chandigarh,the director is talent scouting for four more leads — two girls and two boys,between 18 and 24 years of age. “Apart from the leads,we are looking for 35 more characters,who will play college students,and other characters,” adds Ghosh,setting the age limit for this number at 30 years.

Those interested can sign up for auditions at the International School of Media,SCO 318,Top Floor,Sector 38 D,Chandigarh from January 21 to 23