Meanwhile his short films are being made with an entirely unique business model in place. "As co-producers, Sanjay (Suri) and I have extended a chance for audiences to be shareholders for our film which would comprise of five different short stories of 20 minutes each", informs Onir, "Though there have been a few promotional offers in the past ('Sit through the film alone and you could get five lakhs', 'Get your money back if you don't like the film' etc. etc.), the concept of audiences being shareholders is something new in Bollywood parlance."

He adds, "Though in West, some independent filmmakers have laid out such plans while accumulating funds for their films, it is perhaps the first ever in Bollywood. I look forward to individuals, corporate houses and NGOs who believe in our films and have trust in our intentions to come out and support our endeavour by contributing to it in terms of monetary help."

Help has come to him not just from common man (who have been actively contributing to his project already) but also the film fraternity. Recent addition to his cast are Juhi Chawla (who has earlier worked with him in ‘My Brother Nikhil’ and ‘Bas Ek Pal’) and Purab Kohli (My Brother Nikhil) who would now be acting as well as financially contributing to in ‘Megha’ and ‘Rudra’ respectively.

"They have been kind enough to work in the film free of cost and also bring some money to the table. Moreover, Purab is also trying to raise some funds on his own. Budget for each of my short films is Rs. 30 lakhs and I am surprised to see that contribution has come from places as diverse as New York, Japan and Germany", smiles Onir who was recently in Bangalore to scout locations for first of his short films, ‘Abhimanyu’, which would go on floors in July.

... contd.