An actress and a director!

Her previous venture as a director for the short film Kaaji won her several awards along with critical appreciation and positive response from the audience for dealing with a sensitive subject such as widowhood and casteism. Actress Aishani Shetty, is presently working on two different projects — Nam Gani B.Com pass and another untitled venture featuring Naveen Shankar of Gultoo fame. Speaking to Bengaluru Chronicle, the actress talks about her plans to direct a full length feature film and more.

“I had not signed any movies as I was pursuing my master’s degree. In fact, Kaaji, the short film, which I directed happened during my holidays. The idea came up after I visited North Karnataka as a part of the outreach programme during my graduation. I was deeply disturbed by what I say and those memories continue to haunt me even to this day. I had discussed this experience with actor and producer Sathish Ninsam during the shooting of the film Rocket,” says Aishani.

The short film which was screened at various short film festivals including California Short Film Festival, won several awards under various categories including best short film, cinematography and best actress in a leading role. Produced by Sathish Ninasam, the 17-minute short film focuses on the caste system with Hitha Chandrashekar playing the lead role.

In Nam Gani B.Com Pass, Aishani will be seen in two phases, one as a school going girl and the other as a grown up lady in the drama which talks about unemployment in a humourous manner.

“The film can be related to the present status of graduates who are jobless. Whereas the untitled film directed by Sridhar Shanmukha is a crime thriller with a new concept,” Aishani says.

She goes onto add that it is the script which motivates her to take up the project. “The character which I am portraying in this film something new to me. It’s quirky and interesting. The role encompasses everything from thriller to romance. The script and the narration by the director impressed me the most. It has every element which assures for an edge of the seat experience,” the actress explains.

About her other passion to direct, Aishani goes on to say that since she has no formal education inf direction and learnt it on the sets, she is gathering more practical knowledge as well as the much needed preparation to kickstart her first full length feature film.

“I was able to pull off the short venture due to a dedicated team who believed in me. It made me realise that it requires a lot more preparation to direct a full length feature film. I will definitely direct one of my scripts, which I have worked on so far. But as of now, I want to act in good projects which offers me distinctive roles to portray,” she signs off.