“I view Bangladesh as a literary gold mine” – Shahnaab Alam

Shahnaab Alam began his career as a journalist, and later worked under Yash Raj Films. Presently, he is an independent producer in projects that include international co-productions as well as mainstream films. This year at the recently concluded Dhaka International Film Festival, the Assamese film Bhoga Khirikee by Jahnu Barua, which he produced alongside Priyanka Chopra, received an overwhelmingly positive response from the audience. We caught up with him to find out more about his work.

Your film 'Bhoga Khirikee (Broken Window)' was largely appreciated at the festival. How has your journey been with the master filmmaker, Jahnu Barua?

Most of my films have either been with my contemporaries or new comers, but this is the first time that I have teamed up with a mastermind. Not many people know that Jahnu Barua is the highest award winning director in India, so working with him was an honour. I have learned a lot just by observing him.

You have co-produced many films. Is co-production more convenient than producing projects on your own?

As a producer, my target is to reach a wide audience. The very first film that I produced, Shoonya, performed very well in the international market. I realised that the international audience is watching our film and that it would be better if I have a feedback from a global perspective. That's how I have positioned myself and I absolutely believe in collaboration. For example, Lunchbox was a tri-nation collaboration and it reached people in different countries. None of us can take the sole credit for it.  In today's age, collaboration makes work really fast and easy.

How would you contrast producing independent films with producing commercial films?

I don't like categorising cinema. However, working under big banners means that you are sheltered and protected. Because of its nature, the scope of exploring stories is slightly limited. The fundamental difference is that in independent films, you are basically on your own. For me, it has been an advantage since I knew the industry already. However, the best part is exploring through different stories.

You have co-produced with Priyanka Chopra. How was it teaming up with a star like her?

There are more platforms today for screening, which in turn, brings us revenues. Artistes in Mumbai have the liberty in many ways today to make the films that they want to.  I've known Priyanka for a long time. We are interested in exploring stories from various parts of India and having Priyanka, who has made her mark as an artiste globally, by our side, is a boon.

Do you have any plans of collaborating with people in the Bangladeshi film industry?

I would love to. In fact,  I was very keen to collaborate with Tareq Masud for his film Paperflower. Unfortunately, he left us early. I still hope the film gets made. I view Bangladesh as a literary gold mine. I'm sure the nation has many stories to offer. I am interested to explore stories from our shared histories as well.