We interviewed Shilpi Das Chohan, 45-year-old voice over artist from Bengaluru, producer of the social film ‘Poonam’ on elderly loneliness and their need for companionship.
Q: A bit about your professional journey.
I started out as a marketer and later headed the branch of a boutique training firm, freelancing in corporate training, a total of 10 years in the corporate. Then came the sabbatical of eight years and a joyous motherhood.
The year 2011 set me on my entrepreneurial journey by getting into the business of being a Voice Over Artist. Presently, in addition to practicing my art, I coach aspiring voice artists, corporate executives, homemakers, storytellers on developing their voice for an impactful delivery. Thus Shilpi’s Voice & Visuals was born, a MarComm Agency that creates video content, works on marketing communications of various clients and organises various events for philanthropic causes. The neglected cause of eldercare inspired me, to use film as a medium to tell their story.
Q: What made you decide to produce a film for senior citizens?
I interact a lot with senior citizens. I am acquainted with many who stay alone, with their children strewn across the globe, leading lonely lives, yearning for companionship. I visit old age homes and make it a point to hear them out. They have so many stories to share. All they need is someone to talk to. A friend, who is a film director saw my passion for the cause of elderly care. Later, when he heard my narration (voice-over) of a story about two senior citizens, he suggested ‘Why don’t we make a film on this?’. I jumped at the idea.
Q: What were the main challenges you faced after you decided to produce it?
First challenge was the inexperience of the film industry. Thankfully, our director’s experience made up for that. The second challenge was finding the right cast to play the role of the protagonist senior citizens in the film. Most actors I approached refused to be a part of the concept. I knew a good cast was of paramount importance to position the film and capture attention. We finally managed to sign up veterans Meeta Vasisht and Rajit Kapur, one year after conceiving the film.
Then came the challenge of finding a kind-hearted financier who believed more in the cause, than the commercials. The search took two more years after we signed up the actors. From the temptation of giving up the idea to the struggle of leaving no stones unturned, I did find the angel who became the pillar of this project. The budget of the film had shot up, because we wanted to make a social film that would be impactful enough to do justice to its objectives. All in all, it was a tremendous learning experience. This project taught me the intricacies of producing a film, responsibilities of a producer, creative aspects vis-s-vis the commercial, managing artists, choosing costumes and handling fireworks.
Q: How did you go about making the film?
It was team work and full of fire-works. We shot for four days in Nainital, last October. Sanjay Sanwal, our Director is a local and he had done his homework well to set up picturesque locations. He helped us hire a crew that was a mix of professionals from Mumbai and Nainital. The stars and the crew traveled via Delhi and Haldwani to reach Nainital by road. We also managed to rope in some local talents. Meeting Inspector Ashok Kumar, SHO, Mallital PS, Uttarakhand Police was quite interesting and he walked an extra mile to ensure there were no glitches.
The film has been edited by well-known editor Jagadeesh who runs Triangle Films & Paperbag Productions in Bangalore. The film could not have been possible without the support of Anil Kumar P, our Executive Producer and Post Production Supervisor. He voluntarily took up many roles to facilitate the shoot too. After completing the the post-production, our earlier plans of screening had to be put off due to the current pandemic. We are now working on fresh plans
Q: What is the objective of this film?
The whole purpose of the film is to showcase that our elders should have the chance to live a fulfilled life. This is a 16-minute social film with a strong message about lost love. It is about how we neglect our elders unintentionally, about their loneliness and sense of loss. They may be financially secure but lead insecure lives, lacking emotional companionship. It is about acknowledging their right to choose to live their lives on their own terms. The film’s purpose is to inspire the society towards a progressive outlook about elderly companionship.