Parimal Aloke has been an actor for many years and has now made the transition to the other side of the camera. “My short film, Saari Raat happened only because I felt I was prepared. I had some money and friends to support me,” says Parimal. Incidentally, one of those supporters happens to be veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, whose theatre group, Motley, performs a play on the story of the same name, written by Kamtanath. Parimal has been a part of the group for five years now and he sought Naseer’s advice on the project. “I’ve funded the film myself, but Naseer chipped in to help me get the rights from the author, record the music and be able to send it to festivals all over the world,” he says.
The 23-minute film has so far been screened in Delhi and Bengaluru (where it won a jury recommendation at the 2012 Short Film Festival). Parimal has also sent his project to nearly 45 festivals for consideration. “I’ve tried for festivals like Sundance and Raindance, as well as a few others in Tehran, Busan and Warsaw. I’m disappointed that the MAMI festival in Mumbai doesn’t have a category for short films,” he says. He’s not sure if his film would even be able to get a premiere or theatrical release in the city either.
Currently, Parimal is focussing on bagging more acting roles — on stage and on screen. He’s previously appeared in Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010), Raajneeti (2010) and Sadda Adda.
Saari Raat is a satire that about a newlywed couple. “At the groom’s behest, they decide to exchange confidences, and it becomes a mountain out of a molehill,” says Parimal, who also plays the lead opposite Paru Gambhir.
{{/usCountry}}Saari Raat is a satire that about a newlywed couple. “At the groom’s behest, they decide to exchange confidences, and it becomes a mountain out of a molehill,” says Parimal, who also plays the lead opposite Paru Gambhir.
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