Mid-Day

Incidentally Ananth was at the fest for his upcoming film starring Vinay Pathak. It was Vinay who introduced him to Zanussi.

Ananth says, “He is getting a lifetime achievement award and it was an uncanny coincidence that Vinay was travelling with him from the airport to the hotel.

He got to spend one hour with him and during the conversation Vinay spoke to him about our film. He was excited that such films are being made in India. I was introduced to him at the opening ceremony . He is one of the greats of international cinema and I was extremely touched by his humility and his simplicity. During my learning days films like Camouflage and Illumination majorly influenced me. To meet him in person was exciting for me.”

Ananth further adds, “He also spoke about the fact that India makes a huge number of films and that we should open up distribution for these kind of films. We were perfect strangers for him but Tanishtha Chatterjee who features in my film had done a workshop with him and knew him. I again met him at a festival screening where he instantly recognised me.”