Antra’s new role

By Taran Adarsh, November 16, 2005 - 00:00 IST

One film that's created a strong buzz in the market is MR. YA MISS. And it's with this film that Antra Mali realizes her dream of not just writing the script, but also directing it. "Having grown up on cinema, the one desire I cherished the most was to direct my own film some day. And when I completed writing the script of MR. YA MISS, I knew I wouldn't get a better script to make my debut with," an elated Antra informs me.

In fact, it was the cohesive script that earned a positive nod from Antra's mentor Ramgopal Varma instantly. What's more, RGV decided to back the film by lending his name as a producer. "When I sent the draft of the first half to him, he seconded it without blinking an eyelid. His reaction to the second half was equally inspiring, but I knew I could polish the post-interval portions further. I worked and re-worked on the second half till I was completely satisfied… His [RGV] sole advice to me was, 'I cannot guide you in a film like this since it's in sharp contrast to the cinema I make. Go ahead, it's your baby entirely.' The fact that he decided to produce MR. YA MISS only goes to show that he saw potential in the film," Antra explains.

Antra always had Ritesh in mind while writing the film. "I couldn't think of anyone else," she smiles. And Aftab Shivdasani? "I needed someone good looking and charming, who could make the women go weak in their knees. Also, the fact that Aftab and Ritesh share terrific chemistry compelled me to cast Aftab in a cameo," she states.

Antra doesn't deny that the story of the film is not entirely her's. "I'd be lying if I state that MR. YA MISS is an original concept. For, a number of Hollywood films have tackled a similar premise. But barring the idea which may seem inspired, the rest is my take on it," she admits.

The talented actress turned writer-director feels that handling the dual responsibility of acting and directing simultaneously wasn't strenuous at all. "That's because I had a bound script on hand before I commenced filming. It would've been a problem had I not done my homework well. I knew how the actors would emote, right till how I'd edit the film, even before I commenced filming. Every aspect was crystal clear," she asserts.

Does it mean that Antra has decided to concentrate on film direction henceforth? Has she bid goodbye to acting? "I am longing to sit in an air-conditioned van again [laughs]. I don't think I can ever quit acting. But, at the same time, I would never give up on writing. Actually, I don't know what course my career would take post MR. YA MISS," she says.