In an exclusive interview with 'Dhak Dhak' director Tarun Dudeja, we delve into the making of his debut feature film, which has been garnering positive reviews and attention for its inspirational all-female-led storyline. Tarun shares insights into his experience working with the talented ensemble cast, including ace actor Ratna Pathak Shah, and the challenges they faced while shooting in the picturesque yet demanding location of Khardung La. Additionally, he sheds light on the significance of having Taapsee Pannu as a producer and memorable moments that marked the journey of making 'Dhak Dhak.' Excerpts...
'Dhak Dhak' has been receiving positive reviews from all sides. How does it feel?
It feels really, really great. It feels great to see how unknown people are reaching out and how the film has inspired and motivated them. It's such a great feeling and it feels very validating that there is a place for such inspiring stories in our cinema.
What made you choose an all-female-led film like 'Dhak Dhak' as your debut feature film?
I think we don't choose stories. But having said that, I feel that if four boys had gone on a bike trip, what fun and adventure would it have been? So I feel that if four ordinary women had gone on this extraordinary trip, that was the story which was very exciting to all of us. And I'm glad we made this story into a film.
The film was released on the occasion of National Film Day. Do you think it worked to the film's benefit?
Yeah, of course. We got great reports that almost all of our shows, whatever limited release we had, it was almost full all over India. So yes, National Film Day really helped us to reach out to a maximum number of people.
How was it working with ace actors like Ratna Pathak Shah? What was her first reaction when she was offered the film?
So Ratna ma'am comes with a lot of experience and you have to really earn your place to direct her. Having said that, I used to feel very good because I used to be so well prepared to direct her. So in a way, her experience kept me on my toes and I did my preparation very well. So when my producer Pranjal offered Ratna ma'am the script first, her reaction was that you have gone mad. Will you make me ride a bullet bike at the age of 65? So that was her reaction. But when she read the script and she loved it, she immediately said, 'Yes, I'll do it'.
While Dia Mirza has proved her mettle as an actor, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi are relatively new and are striving to make their mark. How receptive were they to you as actors?
They were very receptive right from the very beginning with the initial meeting, the narration. We kind of struck a bond and they instilled their full faith and trust in me. Having said that, there is a lot of collaboration between a writer and a director. So I got a lot of trust and support from both Fatima and Sanjana, which made the process a lot easier.
Can you share any fun or interesting anecdotes with us from the set?
The scene where Ratna Patak Shah's character Mahi gives milk to Sanjana's character Manjari to drink. I didn't cut it on purpose and Manjari had to drink the turmeric milk which was not part of the script and was not going to happen in the film. We just decided to have fun while she drank the milk. One day Fatima was not in the shot but she was still on the set so she decided to do handheld camera work on her own. She worked as a DP and took one shot.
How was Taapsee Pannu as a producer? Did it help to have a female producer in the team?
Of course, it really did help. From the script discussions to putting up this project together, she has been a pillar of strength for us. The actor Tapsee comes with her own experiences. And when she decided to do production, we got a lot of benefit from it.
You shot for the film at Khardung La. Was it difficult to shoot and manage a team at such a challenging location?
Yeah, it was very challenging for us. Moving a crew of 200 odd people from Delhi to Khardung La on road was a very challenging task for the production. We used to shoot on the road. 80 percent of the locations in the film are exterior locations. We shot at 86 locations in 42 days. We had to shift 2-3 locations every day. When we were in Delhi, the temperature was 48 degrees Celsius. When we reached Ladakh, it was minus 2 degrees Celsius. There were hailstorms, sandstorms, snowfall, etc. It was a very challenging and tough film to execute.
And how did you manage it?
So, this is my way of approaching every crew member. I try to motivate them that they are an equal part of making this film. I try to talk to them nicely and tell them how important the story is. When you treat your crew nicely, they can do anything for you. I have a crew who used to help each other in shifting locations. So, it's very important that you give your crew the respect and admiration that they deserve. And then they will move mountains for you, which is what has happened in Ladakh.
What has been your most memorable experience during the entire filming?
We were shooting very linearly, just like in the film road journey. We started from Delhi, reached Manali, went to Rohtang from Manali, went to Lamayuru from Rohtang, then to Leh. And finally, on the last day, we shot at Khardungla Pass, Khardungla Top. When we were taking the final shot at Khardungla Top, when four ladies raised their hands and the army people joined them, I was very heartfelt and overwhelmed. I felt very good when I saw that. I had tears in my eyes to finally see them concluding this journey and concluding our journey also in a way of shooting journey. So, that was a very memorable moment.
