I will never use Nana's name for my benef

moving forward: Neelakantee Patekar

What's the genesis of Chivitrach Saare?

It is a low-budget film meant to be shot sans light and audio accessories just for the fact that I wanted to put forth an example to young filmmakers who get stuck due to the lack of financial support.

I want to say quality never hampers if the research is strong. When techniques overpower thoughts then the subject becomes budget oriented.

You started off with short films and then ventured into full-length features. Was it deliberate?

No. I have been writing for films and many of them are in the processing stage. This is not a stepping-stone for me.

I made this film since I wanted youngsters to understand the basic requirements of filmmaking not just get to remain stuck up with the vagaries of techniques.

Your documentaries deal with strong themes like AIDS awareness, Baba Amte's Anandwan.

Regarding Baba Amte's work, I would say it is beyond anybody's capacity to grasp what great work he has been doing and mind you it requires major funding.

My idea was to make people aware of the importance of inflow of funding. Similarly, for AIDS awareness preaching only won't help.

If you see the documentary you will understand the requirement of the real-life scenario for the target to achieve.

You've got several state and national level awards for your acting. Ever thought of doing mainstream films?

As an actress I am open to any good role — mainstream or parallel. I am glad I am known for my role in Atmavishwas. I would rather do one substantial role rather than hundred inconsequential ones.

You direct, act, teach and write. How do you manage all of them together?

I believe I have one life and I have to do it all. Moreover, all these forms — writing, directing, acting come together as one expression and there's no wastage of time.

Your son Malhar, too, is involved in your projects.

Yes he is but he is very independent. It didn't require me or Nana to convince Malhar what he should do.

He has a good directorial application. Whatever he does I want him to responsible and specific and do it as an individual not as Nana and my son.

How does Nana contribute in your projects?

Like any other family we too interact and discuss things. His schedule doesn't give him the liberty of knowing the details of my work and the same holds true for me.

But we do keep tab of each other's work. People ask me why Nana is never a part of my films and I just say the script doesn't require him. I just can't use his name just like that for my benefit.