Actor #RasikaDugal, who kicked off her career with several memorable films in the independent cinema space, has now put the country on the global map as her short film – The Miniaturist of Junagadh – screens at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival. Earlier, the versatile powerhouse represented India at the Cannes Film Festival for Manto with filmmaker #NanditaDas and #NawazuddinSiddiqui. Directed by #KaushalOza, Rasika’s recent short film afforded her the opportunity to work alongside legendary veteran, Naseeruddin Shah, who had been her teacher at the Film & Television Institute of India.
Set in 1947, the Rasik Dugal-starrer follows the unravelling of a secret about a beautiful miniature collection that a family is determined to keep. The versatile actor sees her life come full circle as she revists independent cinema while also experiencing the thrill of being a student again with her teacher Naseeruddin Shah.
She says, “Kaushal has written a very gentle and yet compelling story. That’s a very hard balance to achieve in storytelling. I was drawn to the film for its attention to detail and,of course, for the opportunity it gave me to collaborate with my teacher Naseerudin Shah.So much of what I know about my work is based on the invaluable fundamentals I learnt from him as a student at FTII…. and there is still so much to learn !
I am delighted that the film is screening and competing at a reputed New York Indian Film festival.” Rasika’s upcoming projects include Lord Curzon Ki Haveli and two unannounced ventures.
