I’m 100% Hyderabadi:Punjabi

Standing Majestically: Sanjay Punjabi chooses Charminar as the backdrop (TOI Photo) Hyderabad Times catches Sanjay Punjabi in an upbeat mood following the positive reviews on his debut film
Sanjay Punjabi, whose first film, Aadaab Hyderabad has recently hit the marquee, is the latest to join the bandwagon of filmmakers who have come up with a special genre of Hyderabadi films.
Those familiar with the sense of humour that comes with these films might be tempted to think that the name is designed to have an effect, but he retorts, "Naam Punjabi hai par hai yahin ke. Like my film, I am also made in Hyderabad 100 per cent.”
The 38-year-old admits that until a couple of years ago he had never given movies a thought, and the idea came about out of the blue.
Though films always fascinated me, I never really thought about making films until I was inspired by flicks like Angrez, Hyderabad Nawabs and the kind.
In one of those casual chats over chai with good friend and producer Naveen Aggarwal, the idea came about,” says Sanjay whose film is getting positive reviews.
He dabbled with quite a few things, from theatre to advertising and television before taking the plunge.
From my school days I've been associated with theatre. I had developed a taste for writing in my graduation and went on to work as a copywriter for a while and from then, one thing led to another.
I wrote scripts for TV soaps and went on to produce serials for regional TV channels,” he adds.
He might have taken his time to get there but he is not wasting a minute now. He has already shot another short film Raju, which will be screened at the MIFF (Mumbai International Film Festival) in February 2008.
“Raju is a fictional film based on the life of a rag picker. It is a touching story. Besides, I am also involved in negotiations for a Bollywood flick. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the moment,” signs off Sanjay.