While women technicians in Tamil cinema are hard to find, top filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s crew is an exception. With some of his women ADs like Priya and Sudha Kongara shining in the industry, we present the eight women who are part of his current directorial venture, Karthi-Aditi Rao Hydari-starrer Kaatru Veliyidai. On International Women’s Day, they share their experiences about working with the master.
Nithya Balakrishnan — General Manager, Madras Talkies
I had worked with a popular private hospital as a PR person before coming to Madras Talkies. I was initially skeptical about switching fields,but after coming here, I feel like I work in a corporate setup. I always feel safe and secure and never that I am in a male-dominated film industry.
I have all the respect for the industry, especially the man and his lady (Suhasini Mani Ratnam). Everything is transparent here and Mani sir always treats everyone as equals. Those who work here always tell me that if this atmosphere and setting prevails everywhere, the world would be a beautiful place to work.
Brinda – Dance Master
With the kind of atrocities meted out to women and girl children, I don’t feel like celebrating International Women’s Day this year. Generally, it is difficult for a woman to get a foothold in the industry. Despite coming from a filmy background, I did face initial struggles. Now, things are better and gender bias is less.
Self-assurance is important for any working woman. Kala akka and I are called the tiger and the lion in dance circles! Our demeanour commands that kind of respect. I am always loud on the sets — you have no other choice. We have to get the work done from 200 male dancers — and if you even slightly slack, you are finished.
As far as Mani sir is concerned, I have been working with him since Iruvar. He is the same humble person right from Iruvar to Kaatru Veliyidai. Despite being an ace filmmaker, he is grounded and never throws his weight around. He even treats the dancers with respect and always ensures they are comfortable on the sets. He always tells me that women should be bold. He also told me that he likes my tomboyish looks and hyperactive nature!
Serina Tixeria – Hair and Makeup artiste for entire team
Working with Mani sir is like a dream come true! I grew up watching his movies. It was a pleasure to work in his film because of the way he looks at things and the way he gives you an upper hand in case you want to try out something new.
Karthi was a thorough gentleman. Though a little unsure of how he would look, he still would give me a chance to explore and experiment, which I think is an important characteristic for a professional. Karthi’s inputs are very practical and hence you will see him like never before. I think this field is no longer-male dominated. Women have and are standing on an equal platform and delivering excellent work. I won’t say that I didn’t face trouble, but the willingness to fight and stand my ground was immense. Production houses are coming forward and supporting us which is also of great help. At the end of the day, there is a lot of work for both men and women in the industry, only if you are willing to do good work.
Eka Lakhani – Costume Designer
Mani sir’s set is like home to me. I started my first film with him, and was on a break. I am now back with Kaattru Veliyidai. It’s the most comfortable zone to work in. He is also someone who gives a lot of freedom to explore. He hears me out and if he dislikes it, he tells me straight away.
When it comes to work, he doesn’t differentiate between a man and a woman. At the end of the day, one should be good at what one is doing. Even if I were a man, he would have hired me.
Shalini Shankar– Line Producer
I started as an AD to Mani sir and have been working with him for eight years now. The transition from the direction department to production was almost seamless. At his office, we have a homely atmosphere, which at the same time is professional too.
I have worked in other companies earlier and I got the feeling of being the odd woman among 200 men during the shoot. There was a lot of resistance in companies where I worked previously. But here, especially with a lot of women around, the comfort level is very high. You are valued for merits, and not based on your gender.
Keerthana – First AD
Keerthana, daughter of actor/filmmaker Parthiepan, who got the national award for the Best Child Artiste when she debuted in Mani Ratnam’s Kannathil Mutthamittal, is now the first assistant to the Roja director. Though she got many offers to act as a heroine, the passion for wielding the megaphone urged Keerthana to join Mani as an assistant for Kaattru Veliyidai.
Sharmishta Roy – Production Designer
At a time when you seldom find a female art director/production designer, here is Sharmishta, a national award winner, who has worked in many films in Bollywood. Mani Ratnam has chosen her for his present venture.
Srindihi Venkatesh – Sound Engineer
Srinidhi is handling sound engineering for this movie which is slated to release this summer.
