I’m extremely comfortable working with women technicians

At Ayub Khan’s three-day Cine-Dreams International Film Festival, Boman Irani’s student Saba Mumtaz’s short film The Imam has made waves. “I think a film festival is very important, as it gives people an opportunity to exhibit their work. Such festivals help filmmakers realise which department they are good in — writing, direction, etc,” he said.

Tracing the Film Festival route his own Mehta Boys had taken, he said, “it premiered at the Chicago South Asia Festival and was later the opening film at the Toronto South Asia Festival. It will be screened at the Tribeca Film Centre, and he released on Jan 10, 2025.”

Boman Irani has written, directed and acted in Mehta Boys. Asked how he managed to don all three hats at one go, he said, “I don't think it is as difficult as people make it out to be. It is fun for me. I concentrate on whichever aspect of filmmaking that I’m working on at a given point in time. Also, since I am passionate about my profession, it keeps me going. I try my best to work in accordance within my capacity, and not go overboard.”

When it was pointed out that, while there weren’t any female technicians in Bollywood earlier, they now work in every sphere of the industry, Boman said, “I think change is very necessary. India has progressed and there is equality. Women have become pilots and astronauts and prime ministers and presidents in India, when the USA, said to be the most advanced country in the world, still doesn’t have a woman president. I feel extremely proud.”

He added, “There was a film – I won’t mention the name – where the director was a female, the producer was a girl, the writer and cinematographer were girls, and the assistants were all girls too. I was in that film, feeling so proud to be being bullied with so much love and affection.” Explaining this, he said, “I was brought up by women. My father passed away before I was born. My mother and three sisters brought me up, so I am extremely comfortable being taught by women.”

Elaborating, Boman said, “Today, Saba has taught us how to make an honest film, how to be brave and be truthful. Believe me, this movie, The Imam, will touch many hearts and will make us think there is a way forward.”

Pointing out that nothing changes overnight, he said, “It’s taken years for women to become so prominent in the industry, I support it and wish for more.”