She is a first generation US citizen, born and bred in the country after her father migrated there in the 70s. The concept of an arranged marriage is new to her but she is quite certain of the veracity of her statement— “domestic violence still plagues the NRI community.” Uzma Kang, chief assistant director in the Aishwarya Rai-starrer Provoked, is no pushover.
The young filmmaker, who has a BSc in filmmaking from the University of Miami, Florida, says: “To be honest, domestic violence exists in all societies and I have seen many such cases in real life. Recently, I had to hide a friend from her husband who used to beat her regularly.”
So how did Provoked come to be? “Before filming, we met Kiran Ahluwalia and even read her book Circle of Light. We had even secured documents from the court so that we were in possession of all the facts,” says Uzma.
On her working relationship with Jagmohan Mundra, the director of Provoked, she says: “He is known for making erotic thrillers but then he is also the man who made Bhawandar, Provoked and Shoot on Sight, which is based on the London bombings. I believe he makes money from those thrillers only to spend it on raising consciousness about social issues. Even now, we were supposed to meet in Mumbai to make a film on terrorism; ironically, the terrorist attack there has forced us to postpone our programme.”
Her future plans include directing a film independently. “It would be some time next year. I have not zeroed in on the subject yet but it will be a relevant social issue such as female foeticide, dowry or illiteracy. I strongly believe that films should entertain as well as bring home a message,” says Uzma.
... contd.
Epaper
Newsletter
Stocks
Weather
Horoscope
