Looking Eastwards

The brass name plate outside their Bandra office-cum-residence has an official air about it,but the red electrical tape that holds it up hints at the casual ambience inside. True to the instinct,we are welcomed like old friends by Meehan,who introduces himself as ‘Pagal Bandar’. “It has a recall value,” he explains.

The quartet immediately dives into their story. “This is our way to discover Bollywood and success in the industry through Omi’s story. It’s been amazing to watch him transition from fussing over grocery prices at the supermarket in the US to taking home two Star Screen awards—from a Hollywood zero to a Bollywood hero,” winks MacNiven.

The filmmakers have been in Mumbai for over a month now,filming Vaidya as he walks the red carpet at various award functions,inaugurates a college in Maharashtra or gives interviews to the media. “As part of our research,we have also interviewed filmmakers and actors,including Aamir Khan,Madhavan and the American-Indian tele-actor Sendhil Ramamurthy who is doing a Hindi film now,” MacNiven says.

Like most people from the West,they perceived Bollywood films to be all song and dance. But something told them that there has to be more to it. So when Vaidya,while working on MacNiven and Meehan’s previous project,Wrestling in Mongolia,bagged a role in 3 Idiots,the friends knew this is just the opportunity they were looking for.

Back home,the four filmmakers hold their day jobs and every now and then break away from routine for a “passion project” like this. “We make films that can bring together people from different countries and culture,” they say almost in unison. About Bollywood,they say,what amazed them the most is that only a handful of actors are A-listers and the way stars are worshipped. “Here,even Omi is chased,” remarks Meehan with genuine surprise.

“We Americans are a bit bitter and anything too emotional is considered cheesy. But the drama and emotions in Bollywood films is overwhelming,” McCroskey adds,“And Aamir Khan pointed out to us that in the film culture in Bollywood today is where Hollywood was in the 1950s—when emotions were rooted into the culture.”

The journey has been especially exciting for Meehan. “While here,we got offered all kinds of work—Matt and I feature in a Bajaj Pulsar ad,I have done voice over for My Name is Khan,and now I have an acting offer too,which will need me here for six months.”