CURRY BEAR

Curry Bear has been getting into the movie business and I came across some interesting people and projects coming up. One particular project that really caught my eye was this new movie called “When Harry Tries To Marry” by director Nayan Padrai. When I did my research about Nayan, I discovered he had gotten so many awards and done some brilliant work. Collaborative scripts have received awards at screenwriting festivals and contests including, Texas Film Institute, Empire Screenplay Competition, Open-Door Script Magazine Contest, Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, Nicholl Fellowship, Breckenridge Screenplay Competition, Lone Star Screenplay Competition, Writer’s Network Competition, and Chesterfield Writer’s Film Project. This movie itself, seems like it may become the next “Bend It Like Beckham”. Curry Bear got a chance to catch up with the brains behind this story and get myself a little interview right after Mr. Padrai came back from the Sundance Film Festival.

1.
CB: First Mr. Pardai, tell us about yourself and how you came about becoming a movie director.
NP: I think it was dancing to Amitabh Bachchan songs when I was a kid that led me to films. Ever since I could remember it was the thing that fascinated me the most. While in high school, I enrolled in drama classes and eventually went to film school at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. I’ve written a number of scripts over the years, and pursued acting in my early twenties. But back then there were no real meaty roles for young South Asians, so I had thought of writing a script for myself to act in. Almost 10 years later, I am directing that film.

2.
CB: Tell us about your project “When Harry Tries To Marry”. What is it about?
NP: When Harry Tries to Marry is a romantic comedy about NOT falling in love. It’s the story of Harry, 22, who chooses to have an arranged marriage, and avoid the pitfalls of falling in love (like his parents). The script has won numerous awards and placed well in many screenwriting competitions.

3.
CB: How did this project come about?
NP: It started way back in 1998 when I wrote the outline. I discussed it with my writing partner at the time Ralph Stein and we began to write the script. At the same time, I was taking a lot of acting workshops so the script was shaped with performances in mind, witty dialogue and hopefully a genuine take on love.

The project made it rounds in Hollywood, but we had one caveat. We would not sell the script. It was something I wanted to make.

Last year, on my birthday (January 8), I quit my job and promised myself that with the grace of God, I would make the film a reality. And here we are a year later.

I got an amazing team together consisting of Sheetal Vyas, Ritu Ahuja, Bhushan Thakkar, Mike Sledd and several other key advisors, along with a top notch crew to make the project a reality.

4.
CB: Where did you shoot this movie?
NP: The most amazing city in the universe – New York City, and in a place close to my home town in Kutch, India, called Mandvi.

5.
CB: Was it easy finding South Asian actors?
NP: Nothing is easy. We met and saw a lot of people. We don’t have too many South Asian actors as there is mixed cast. But we had a very happy accident, and I discovered our lead actor, Rahul Rai, performing as a dancer at an event. He had never acted before but is a natural, and in my opinion a future superstar.

6.
CB: I read that you trained in acting, screenwriting, directing and film production. Did you always know that you were going to do this or did you have to fail at engineering to figure out your passion?
NP: No. I knew this is what I wanted to do. Always.

7.
CB: OK so say I’m a young South Asian kid in college studying to be a writer or director. My parents already think I’m doomed because I won’t be a doctor or engineer. The economy isn’t so great and I’m not certain about my future. What advice do you have for people in this situation?
NP: Rebel. Move out. Sleep on couches. Deliver pizza. But don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do – even if it is your parents. Again, this is not a job. This is a passion and if you don’t have the guts to go for it, you won’t make it anyway, so don’t bother.

8.
CB: There you have it, kids! Run away from your parents! What are some of your favorite Bollywood/Hollywood movies?
NP: Scent of a Woman, Company, (new to the list – 3 Idiots), Donnie Brasco, Finding Nemo, Legends of the Fall… Too many more to list here.

9.
CB: Finally, tell us the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career that you’d like to share with others following in the same steps.
NP: Someone once said to me, I don’t live in a dream world. I said, I dream to live. So keep dreaming and work hard so that your dreams come true.

10.
CB: Now you were just at Sundance a few days ago. How big is it if a film wins a Sundance award? Is it bigger than the Oscars?
NP: Sundance is probably the biggest festival in the US and a win there can mean a lot. Big careers have been launched at Sundance. The Oscars are a worldwide event and the pinnacle of recognition. They aren’t in the same league.

11.
CB: What did you do at Sundance?
NP: Watch films, meetings, and took in the collective energy of the festival as we prepare for our push this year.

12.
CB: How do you get invited to Sundance? Do you have to sleep with Robert Redford?
NP: You apply if you are submitting a film. Certain films get invited to certain festivals. Ummmm. No comments on the second question! Nice try Curry Bear!

Join When Harry Tries to Marry on Facebook for pictures and videos from behind the scenes – coming soon
http://www.facebook.com/whenharrytriestomarry