Kashmiri filmmaker Danish Renzu: I was disheartened with Zaira Wasim’s decision to quit acting - Exclusive!

Kashmiri filmmaker Danish Renzu, has made a name for himself on the independent film circuit over the last few years with movies like

‘Half Widow’

and

‘The Illegal’

. With Kashmir’s new film policy taking shape, ETimes reached out to the young filmmaker to record his opinion and get updates about his next big film that was supposed to feature Zaira Wasim in the lead role. Excerpts from the conversation:

You were born in Kashmir when insurgency was at its peak. Do you have any memories of that time?
Yes, I grew up in a world of constant curfews, encounters, and shutdowns. Our childhood was limited to going to school and back home. There were no film theaters or any proper form of entertainment. Most of us were forced to stay indoors because of the ongoing conflict.

What sort of change have you seen during your growing up years, considering cinema was banned in Kashmir for a really long time?
Kashmir is pretty much the same it was 20 years ago as far as infrastructure or opportunities for the youth are concerned. However, there has been a surge of new cafes and the rise of artists- singers, musicians, photographers have emerged and have seen a boom over the last decade thanks to social media and exposure to the world. However, there is still a long way to go.

Do you consider yourself to be an accidental filmmaker?
I have wanted to be a filmmaker since my childhood. I was always obsessed with cinema. I still remember the day I first watched a film on the big screen in a Jammu theater. I was fascinated.

How was it working as a filmmaker in Los Angeles? How different was that experience from India and what is one thing Bollywood could learn from the West?
I really like the Guilds and Unions over there, protecting the interests of both ATL (Above The Line) and BTL (Below The Line) talents in union projects in LA. It keeps you protected. Also, the rise of stories on Muslim voices and diversity has opened doors to all types of filmmakers in LA. There is no censorship as such interfering with the craft of the filmmaker or restricting them to express themselves compared to Bollywood, which is now pretty much limited as far as stories that can come out with restrictions on the content by the Government.

You have made two films thus far and both have dealt with relevant subjects. Tell me when you made ‘Half Widow’ how much support did you get from the state, considering the subject was against the establishment?
Most of my team consisted of a local crew from Kashmir. We were the first ones shooting an entire feature film from start to end featuring Kashmiri actors in Kashmir, after decades. This somehow encouraged others to make films in Kashmir with locals. It was revolutionary and sort of the first step in reviving the Kashmiri film industry. So we got a lot of support but that was back in 2016. I think now filming a movie on a subject like ‘Half Widow’ will be a tough proposition.

Your second film ‘The Illegal’ was based on the subject of illegal immigrants, which was shot in the US and was the first film you made there. How was that experience? Was Suraj Sharma your first choice?
Suraj Sharma was always my first choice, and it was a delight to work on the film. It was a dream come true. The film is personal to me as well as it does highlight a lot of my own personal hurdles while living the American dream. I think Suraj did 100 per cent justice to the character.

What’s happening with your third film

‘Pashmina’

? It’s yet to go on floors? Did you approach Dulquer Salman and Zaira Wasim for it?
Zaira Wasim was supposed to be a part of it but now she’s decided to quit films. We are still working on the project and will announce it when ready. The film was delayed multiple times due to logistical and political unrest in the valley.

As an outsider is it tough getting through to actors and getting a project together?
No. For me, it was not that difficult. Actors in Bollywood are quite reachable and always respond with their feedback.

Some Kashmiri actresses, like Zaira Wasim have made a mark, but then have withdrawn from their careers. What do you have to say about that? Also, do girls in Kashmir want to become actresses? Are they reluctant or worried about political and societal pressure?
I was disheartened with Zaira’s decision, because she is such a great talent. But, it's her personal decision and we must respect that. Girls in Kashmir should definitely pursue their dreams and should not be restricted in any way based on their gender or religion.

The Kashmir government has shown initiative to formulate a new film policy for the state. How much is it going to help the Kashmiris?
My fingers are crossed. We are definitely delighted by the announcement of this new policy and the incentives. I have two feature films that I'm working on, which are set in the valley. I am eagerly looking forward to explore the new film policy and its benefits