Producing film a short cut to associate with film industry

A small businessman turns producer to realise his childhood dream of making a film
The stardust and tinsel of Mumbai has always rubbed off on other cities of the state. Thus, there are many in Nagpur who want to see their name on the silver screen, if not as actors then definitely as producer or directors. Since it only requires pots of money to turn into a producer, there are many in this city taking this short cut to be a part of the film industry.
Bandu Mahajan is the latest to join this bandwagon with his film Sasubai Gelya Chorila. A businessman who deals in farm products, he says that it was during his school and college days that he began to nurture this idea of being a part of the film fraternity. “Acting was not for me, so I decided to produce a film. This is also a way to keep regional cinema alive,” he says.
Government subsidy to filmmakers has been a lure for many newbie producers. But Mahajan, who has spent Rs 60 lakh on the film, says earning back that money is not the priority at the moment. “Today, we can get it back through television rights. I too am negotiating with channels who are keen to air this out-and-out family entertainer. This is to keep the Marathi cinema going.”