A decade ago, he made his acting debut with My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves. While the film didn’t bring in the footfalls, Nikhil Dwivedi went on to bag supporting roles in movies like Raavan, Shor In The City and Hate Story. Though a couple of movies fared well, he wasn’t inundated with offers. Not one to give up on his dreams, this MBA grad, who has done marketing and more for an international bank and an Indian electronics conglomerate, has now ventured into production. His first venture, Veere Di Wedding, in association with Ekta Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor opened in cinemas yesterday. A quick Q and A with the actor-producer...
How did you decide to foray into production with Veere Di Wedding?
Rhea (Kapoor) had a great script and she was looking for people to back her. I loved the story and decided to get on board. As a producer, I want to back good projects. Often, producers back projects when they are assured their money is safe. Economics is important, so I wouldn’t like to lose money on a film. At the same time, it’s also important to back projects that may not find too many takers in the beginning.
I’m happy with the way the movie has shaped up. In fact, it helps to have co-producers. Rhea is the creative producer while Ekta (Kapoor) played the part of the studio. We backed VDW with the necessary funds. Collaboration is the order of the day as it eases out everything. Everyone does their work and it helps the project on the whole.
Why did you switch from acting to production?
When you’re not doing well as an actor, you don’t get good scripts as those go to the more relevant and successful actors. When I’m watching a film as an audience member, I want to be proud of being a part of it. There was a strong need to be a part of good cinema. So, I decided to step behind the camera and still make movies.
Given that you, Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor are jointly producing the film, who took the creative call and how did you decide individual responsibilities?
The creative role has to be played by one person. I may have my vision and Ekta may have hers, but it’s necessary to decide whose vision will prevail. Otherwise, we might make our own movies. Rhea showed us the film way before and we shared our inputs. She weighed the options to incorporate what suits the film the best. The final decision was with her and director Shashanka Ghosh. There has never been even one occasion where Rhea hasn’t kept me in the loop. She even discussed the song Tareefan with us as she wanted it badly. And seeing the popularity the track has achieved, it was the right decision.
Weren’t you apprehensive of being overruled by producing a women-centric film with two women?
I’m a married man, so I’m used to being over-ruled (laughs).
What’s next after VDW as a producer? Will you be going solo or collaborating with another producer too?
There are some interesting subjects that I’m making into movies. I don’t have a hard-and-fast rule; some can be collaborations and some will be indigenously produced by my company. I think films should go on floors without any fancy announcements. That’s one of the things I learnt as an actor. Announcements don’t matter too much, what matters is making a good film and releasing it well.
Will you also be acting in some of your productions?
There’s one fixed rule in my production house and that is I won’t be acting in anything I produce. Recently, my company produced a music video of a song by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The director wanted me to be a part of it, but we decided to cast Kunal Kemmu.
When successful actors produce their films, it’s a different situation. I don’t want a situation where the creative team feels forced to include me into a project. It would be awkward. They may not be able to say ‘no’ freely to me. They should make a project without being bothered about Nikhil Dwivedi wriggling himself into the film or a show.
Have you lined up any film after VDW?
Yes, I should start my next production in another two months. The pre-production for it is currently underway. My idea is to make two films a year. I don’t want to outstretch myself. I’m also producing television shows and content for a digital platform.
