The set of The Miniaturist Of Junagadh transported Rasika Dugal back to the classrooms of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Where she once learnt the fundamentals of acting from veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah at the Pune-based institute, she now found herself sharing screen space with him in the Kaushal Oza-directed short film.

“Naseer saab had taught me when I was a student of the Acting course at FTII. He is that rare combination of a great actor who is also a good teacher. So much of what I know about my craft is based on the invaluable fundamentals I learnt from him at the institute,” says Dugal, acknowledging that working with her mentor left her thrilled as well as nervous.

Set in 1947, the story follows artist Hussain Naqqash, essayed by Shah, who is compelled to sell his ancestral home in India and move to Karachi. However, he is determined to retain his beautiful miniature collection that holds the key to a family secret. Dugal, who plays Shah’s on-screen daughter, says, “Naseer saab has a strong sense of a scene’s design. It is a learning experience to watch him work with the tiniest details, while paying attention to the larger picture.”

The short film was screened at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival.