DIRECTOR'S CUT

Four filmmakers, who are shaping the future of Indian cinema, talk to Bazaar India about their craft and what inspires it.

- JISHNU BANDYOPADHYAY

KIRAN RAO

Kiran Rao embodies a versatile creativity that defies routine, yet thrives on meticulous planning. Her journey is marked by a commitment to storytelling that transcends genres and borders, resonating deeply with a global audience. "I don't have a fixed process or creative routine," Rao confesses. "I do different things on different days, depending on what stage of writing or production I'm in." This fluid approach underscores her adaptability, where each day unfolds with diverse tasks-reading, researching, or immersing herself in still photography and music for inspiration.

Photography holds a special place in Rao's creative arsenal. "I look at still photography for inspiration, especially for mood, colour palettes, and lensing," she explains. Music, too, plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for her narratives, often guiding her KIRAN towards the right emotional undercurrents. Rao's workday typically begins with focused reading whether it's scenes to be shot or research materials. From there, she dives headfirst into the demanding rhythm of shoots, where days stretch into intense 15-hour production. "For me, film-making is about communicating ideas," says Rao.

Central to her process is soliciting feedback from diverse audience groups at various stages of editing. "I value feedback on how the communication is working," she emphasises, integrating these insights while editing her films towards their final cut.

Her commitment to artistic integrity is unwavering. "It's important for me to retain my artistic voice while telling whichever story I feel driven to tell," Rao states. This ethos guides her across all creative decisions-from narrative choices to casting and the visual language of her films. As a storyteller, Rao recognises the need for innovation.