Finally decided the name for my short film. We shot at my apartment and Regents’s Park. I wanted to show a jungle, it was difficult because it was raining and most of the trees are dried out in the Park. We did our best and made the most use of what we had.

I am really happy with what we have shot. Glad that I decided to film again and it looks much better! I am really proud of myself and my team! 🙂

My team –

Cinematographer and editor – Astrid Salas, a Mexican film maker who I met on The Dots. She’s Mexican & has more than 10 years of experience in filmmaking. She is one of the best people I’ve collaborated with. She was patient throughout the entire process and received my ideas with an open mind. I was so happy with the synchrony of our thoughts and ideas and how she captured my vision so aptly.

Model – Hira Shah, a professional model, fitness trainer and designer. I met Hira at Novotel, Hammersmith while I was attending a show at India Fashion Week 2019. After seeing her on the ramp I chased her down to the dressing room and introduced myself. I asked her whether she’d be open to work on collaborative projects and she instantly agreed and saved her number on my phone. I worked with her before this for a photoshoot while experimenting with Saris and I was skeptical to ask her to collaborate for one more project. I ran her through the idea for MUSED and she agreed to be a part of it happily. She believes in me, she says. I remind her of her younger self. She was very encouraging and supportive.

Make Up Artist and Hair Stylist – Jessi Chan, my friend. Jessi is amazing at her work. Her make up and hair styling bought out the best in Hira and she looks exactly how I wanted her to look in the film.

Production Manager – Firda Amelia, my friend. She was the perfect production manager to have on board. Firda has always helped me, on all my experimental work. There’s no one like her! She kept a timer for 10 minutes so that we could shoot every scene in 10 minutes to be at part with the schedule.

Photographer – Joy Shin, my friend. Joy was so scared and worried to take photos for my shoot. She as quite happy that I trusted her and kept asking me about the kind of images I am expecting from her. She did a great job! I am really happy with the photographs.

Production Assistant – Lu Chongran (Yve), my friend. Yve is one of the most hardworking and humble people I know. She helped me with everything I needed help with! She was carrying a suitcase, the models jacket and a glue to stick the nails, everywhere in the park while we were shooting.

Here are a few stills from the film: