Filmmaking power couple Tushar Hiranandani and Nidhi Hiranandani are basking in the glory of their recent National Award win for 'Best Hindi Feature Film' for Srikanth. While celebrating their monumental achievement, the director-producer duo shared candid insights into their creative journey, including how a piece of unconventional advice from acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap helped them navigate the unique challenges of collaborating as husband and wife.
Navigating Creative Boundaries
The Hiranandanis, who recently received the prestigious accolade at the 72nd National Awards, recounted their initial reaction to the win. Tushar Hiranandani, the director, was asleep in Goa during a birthday celebration when he received the call, initially dismissing it as a dream. His wife, producer Nidhi Hiranandani, similarly found the news "surreal," only fully grasping the magnitude of their accomplishment at the official ceremony. Their professional partnership, however, wasn't always seamless.
Recalling their first film together, Saand Ki Aankh, Nidhi Hiranandani admitted to significant conflicts and arguments as they struggled to define their respective creative territories. It was during this period that Anurag Kashyap offered a surprising but effective solution. He advised them to "stay in different rooms" while shooting, suggesting that some physical distance as a couple could provide much-needed relief. Following this counsel, the Hiranandanis found that the space allowed them to "recalibrate" and better understand each other's professional roles. Now, after three collaborations, they assert that they respect each other's boundaries, reserving their "full-throttle" disagreements for home, always prioritizing the film's success over personal attacks.
From Writer to Director: A Journey of Inspiration
Tushar Hiranandani's path to directing spans over two decades in the industry, including 15 years as a writer. He revealed that at 45, he considered retiring until an episode of Aamir Khan's show Satyamev Jayate reignited his passion. Inspired by the story of two grandmothers who took up sharp-shooting at 65, he felt compelled to tell a similar tale. Nidhi Hiranandani encouraged him to direct it himself, also stepping up to produce, thus launching their production company, Chalk and Cheese. Nidhi Hiranandani often takes the lead in selecting their projects, including both Saand Ki Aankh and Srikanth, with Tushar Hiranandani affectionately referring to her as his "boss."
Their film Srikanth, which tells the inspiring story of a visually impaired industrialist, earned critical acclaim, particularly for Rajkummar Rao's portrayal. Both Tushar and Nidhi Hiranandani lauded Rao's dedication, noting his extensive time spent at a blind school in Jogeshwari. Rao meticulously observed and incorporated mannerisms from various individuals to create his authentic performance, which the filmmakers believe will serve as a benchmark for future portrayals of visually impaired characters.
A Slate of Grounded Stories and New Genres
The Hiranandanis have a clear inclination towards real-life underdog narratives, evident in their work on Saand Ki Aankh, Srikanth, and Scam 2003. They express immense satisfaction in bringing lesser-known inspiring stories to a wider audience, with Tushar Hiranandani sharing that Srikanth Bolla himself thanked him for making his life "much easier" after the film's release. Despite their success, they remain meticulous, taking two years since Srikanth to finalize their next projects, emphasizing their commitment to rigorous writing.
Looking ahead, the duo confirmed a busy schedule with several projects in development. Their upcoming slate includes two to three "grounded stories." One confirmed project is Ragda Pachhees, which Tushar Hiranandani will direct, focusing on the first batch of women in the Indian Army. Another film, currently in the casting phase, is slated for an announcement in October. They also shared plans for a unique comedy film, a genre Nidhi Hiranandani is keen for Tushar to direct, promising a "thoughtful" approach. Additionally, they are collaborating with director Shivraj Waichal, whose Marathi film they produced garnered eight Filmfare Awards.
What's Next
With their company, Chalk and Cheese, the Hiranandanis are poised to continue their trajectory of content-driven cinema. Their commitment to authentic, inspiring narratives, combined with their evolving collaborative dynamic, suggests a promising future for their unique blend of storytelling, as they slowly venture into more commercial territories while preserving their distinctive filmmaking DNA.
