Netflix is all set to enthrall the audience with another anthology ‘Ajeeb Daastaans‘; premiering on April 16, 2021.
This 4-part film has been helmed by remarkable directors like Shashank Khaitan, Raj Mehta, Neeraj Ghaywan and Kayoze Irani.
After Ludo, the talented Dangal actress Fatima Sana Shaikh is again exploring the anthology space. In Ajeeb Daastaans, she’ll be featuring in Shashank Khaitan’s short film ‘Majnu’ along with Jaideep Ahlawat and Armaan Ralhan. Fatima plays a bold, young bride who’s stuck in an unhappy marriage.
In an exclusive chat with Instant Bollywood, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Shashank Khaitan opened up on Ajeeb Daastaans as well as various interesting topics ranging from OTT platforms, female-led projects to ‘Insider vs outsider’ debate!
Insider vs Outsider Issue?
Shashank: “I am an ‘Outsider’ without any filmi contacts but I work for a company which is considered ‘Insider’ – Dharma Productions. I don’t feel there are insiders or outsiders, there are story-teller and non-story tellers. One should just work towards being better to your craft.
A lot of times when this debate is happening, we make it as an excuse not to work hard! If I don’t land an audition/script gets rejected, I can complain bitterly ‘Why would they give me a chance?’ There’s always have one generation which worked hard so that subsequent generations have it easier.”
Fatima: “I am an outsider, but I was acting since 5. Then I stopped working and later struggled to come back again. But I got Dangal. There are so many examples – Manoj Bajpayee, Abhishek Banerjee, Radhika Madan who’re making their mark in the industry. I’m happy and my struggle has made my reward very sweet.”
Shashank: “In good humour, Mukesh Chhabra had once told me … a lot of star kids had also auditioned for Dangal and Thugs of Hindostan. (which went to Fatima) So don’t worry so much about that.”
Fatima’s role in Ajeeb Daastaans –
Fatima: “It’s not like your effort will decrease because it’s a short film. This character was challenging because it’s different than I am as a person. Shashank has been very helpful – because I am NOT someone who is very comfortable with my SEXUALITY but Lipakshi (her character in this film) is. She is very forward, vocal with her intentions.”
Female-led Projects in Bollywood –
Shashank: “It’s not like it hasn’t been happening…. Female-led projects have been backed in Bollywood. Ultimately, it comes down to the STORY and the PROTAGONIST – and that protagonist can be male/female or child. Maybe the numbers were lesser previously, but we had interesting female parts.”
Fatima: “I agree with Shashank. It’s great to see more female-led films. As an actor, you get more options now.”
The Liberty Of OTT platforms –
Shashank : “Talking about OTT – There are lesser uncertainties. As a creator, I can take a different approach than what I am doing theatrically and tell a different story.”
Fatima: “The burden of the box office is removed and you can explore more risky roles. People are now making more female-oriented projects (like Delhi Crime) and there is no worry about how much the project will be able to collect.”