Upala KBR (DNA; May 24, 2014)

While Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra may now be producing films, it was Sushmita Sen who, almost a decade ago, carved a path that these actresses are following today. She announced her film Rani Lakshmibai, and broke the notion that actresses can’t produce films as well. However, Sush was too ahead of her times. She didn’t find the support or the finance for her prestigious project.

After a break, Sush who has now learnt valuable lessons from her past attempt, is ready to walk down that path again. She says, “My next production will now depend on the math of the film. If I produce a film it will be of the Vicky Donor genre and that kind of budget. I have gone past the stage where I believed that I should make a film no matter what. It has to make sense financially.”

She adds, “We have the bank now and we are approaching the directors slowly, finding the right people. Production isn’t about me but a team of people who can run them. Acting is about me and that’s what I am working on right now. I prefer to be a bandmoothhi producer. I would like to produce the right scripts, casting, budget and reach in terms of marketing and distribution and collecting the right kind of numbers.”

She adds, “I am not aiming to join the 100 crore club, but for a film that is a clear cut victory for everyone involved. That’s the reputation I want for my production house.”