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I’m destined to struggle despite proving my potential, says Tigmanshu Dhulia
By Arundhuti Banerjee
Mumbai, March 3 (IANS) National Award-winning filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia, whose next film is ‘Milan Talkies’, says he is one of those who have to struggle throughout despite having proven his talent as a storyteller.
Talking about how a film’s box office results can create obstacles for a filmmaker to get financial support for each of his films, Tigmanshu told IANS: “Some filmmakers are lucky, and who do not have to struggle once a film gets appreciation. And then there are those who are destined to struggle all the way in spite of proving their potential as a storyteller. I am one of them, now what to do?”
The filmmaker’s 2012 film ‘Paan Singh Tomar’ won the Best Feature Film National Award. “It is all about an individual’s approach and if you are friends with a few people. If you are not hanging around with a group of people and not a part of their inner circle and very individualistic by nature, perhaps it becomes tougher, but it’s okay,” he said.
Dhulia believes the initial business of a film depends on the reviews of a film. So, he has urged critics to express their verdict responsibly.
“Though critics gave bad reviews to Amitabh Bachchan’s films, the audience used to go and watch it…if not immediately, a few days later after the release. These days, since the initial three days are the deciding factor for a film’s business, if bad reviews pour in, people don’t come to watch it.
“Footfalls are down anyway. So, film critics should be responsible while reviewing a film,” he said.
His forthcoming film ‘Milan Talkies’, releasing on March 15, is set in Malegaon. Its story revolves around a young budding filmmaker who makes a spoof of some of the iconic Bollywood films and he makes money out of it.
Asked about the inception of the story, Dhulia said: “There used to be a parallel film industry in Malegaon. Though I do not know if that is active enough now, back in 2010, it existed. It is just 10 years ago when the magic of film rolls, projectors and single screen theatres were celebrated. My film captured that time.”
Whether it is ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster’, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, ‘Shahid’, ‘Hero’, ‘Rangbaaz’ and ‘Zero’, Dhulia is equally known for his acting. However, according to him, his aim in life is not to act, but to make films, and that all his acting assignments happened by chance.
But his acting skills have been equally appreciated.
He said: “If I take an assignment, I do it with full conviction — whether it is acting or filmmaking. I even cook really well. But that does not mean I want to excel in cooking. I am basically sincere with everything I do. But I am a filmmaker by heart and that’s what I want to do for life,” he said with a smile.
(Arundhuti Banerjee can be contacted at [email protected])
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.