Roshni Dinaker talks about her Malayalam debut film My Story

Roshni Dinaker‘s journey into films began as a costume designer. Her commitment and passion towards her job won her many accolades, including the Karnataka State Award for the film Kallarali Hoovagi (2006). Her talent took her Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil film industries as well. After establishing herself as a costume designer, Roshni has made her directorial début with the film My Story which is set to screens on 15th June. In an exclusive chat with DGZ Media, here’s what Roshni said about her journey into films, her idea behind My Story and working with Parvathy and Prithviraj.

1. From an award-winning costume designer to a director – How did the journey happen?

Instantly! It was an impulsive decision. Right after I finished my degree in fashion. I decided to be a fashion designer. The journey then led me to films. As far as the question of my directorial is concerned, it was also a spontaneous decision. God has been very kind to me in all my endeavors. I make decisions based on my gut feeling always. And I truly believe that the universe loves me!

2. Given that you were born and raised in Karnataka, why did you choose to make your directorial debut in Malayalam and not Kannada?

The only reason I decided to do so is that is because I am a Malayali and Malayalam is my mother tongue. Having worked in several film industries including Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, I am familiar with the language and culture of all these industries. But I decided to make my entry into Malayalam cinema with my own film.

3. This society often throws hurdles for women pursuing her dreams, how easy or difficult was it to reach your goal?

How sure are you that men don’t go through these hurdles? Problems have nothing to do with gender. Everybody has their own set of limitations, how one overcomes this is the real challenge. I have been in the industry for 15 years; my gender has never been a hurdle in my career. Willpower and perseverance are what helps you reach your destination. One needs to be mentally strong too.

4. What was the idea behind My Story?

Initially, I wanted to be involved only in the production department of a film. I decided to work on a friend’s film, but in a turn of events, it didn’t materialize as she passed away. One day, Prithviraj, my team and I were sitting in my apartment and discussing several stories. We finally came up with one idea. Prithviraj then asked me to further elaborate on that one idea. That’s how My Story was conceived. It was an impulsive decision. We didn’t keep the title of the film until much later.

On our recce in Portugal, Shanker Ramakrishnan, the writer of the film was trying to come up with a title. He wrote them on a letter pad and sent them to me. I wasn’t convinced with the titles he sent, but what I noticed were two words which were printed on the notepad that belonged to the hotel. That’s where I spotted the title ‘My Story’, Prthiviraj too liked it and we decided to go for it.

5. Did you have any icons in the film industry in the growing up years?

I love Mammukka and Lalettan! Being born and brought up in Coorg, Karnataka my family and I didn’t have access to watching Malayalam movies in theatres. My dad, a movie buff, took us to Kannur every time there was a big film release. That’s when I got to see Mammootty and Mohanlal on the big screen!

6. How was it working with Parvathy and Prithviraj?

It was fantastic. They were amazing. They haven’t acted; they have reacted to every scene in the movie. I should say that their acting is very subtle yet it’s quite brilliant. Prithviraj was there in every step of the film. I should say that he has lived the character he played.

7. Can you tell us a one-liner about the film?

The film is all about how different people have touched our hearts deeply and helped create memories. My Story is everybody’s story. Every day, every minute there is a story to tell. Films are a fragment of life. And filmmakers are great listeners, keen observers – a quality which helps filmmakers to execute their ideas skillfully.

Sure, there would be some characters or scenes which seem exaggerated in films, but the truth is some people do live this kind of life. Incidents change lives. We often underestimate ourselves by saying how we don’t react to others’ stories, but in reality, we are actually quite empathetic.

8. Give that the film is going to release this week, what are your thoughts? Are you nervous?

I am not nervous. I am very excited and I am looking forward to the release of the film. I am very happy and thankful to the universe for helping me with the best. I always believe a right thought in the right person’s mind brings out the best.

On being asked how much she relies on the universe, she signs off with a chuckle by saying ”Yes, I believe in on Ralph Waldo Emerson’s theory that – once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen!