Late character actor MacMohan's daughter Manjari Makijany, an aspiring director, has shot a short film which has been selected for the Seattle International Film Festival scheduled for later this month.
Her film, The Last Marble, is about a nine-year-old street child who makes things out of metal scrap and junk. After his most precious marble creation is shattered by a bunch of other street kids, he is left heartbroken with nothing but the remains of his work.
Her father, who is best remembered as Sambha from Sholay, passed away in 2010. "Papa was extremely encouraging. I had made up my mind that I want to direct and he would provide me with tips," says Manjari who has worked as an assistant for films like Wake Up Sid and 7 Khoon Maaf.
"My father had started a production house so I have made it under his banner. There are many things I will miss showing him, but I am sure wherever he is he will be proud of my little achievement. He used to always believe in me."
Manjari will be leaving for Seattle in the coming weeks. "It is one of the few festivals that qualifies you for the Academy category for shorts if you win," she points out. "The film has also been selected for a digital network across the US during the festival. I will also be attending the Asian American International Film Festival in New York." The film stars street kids as well as her brother Vikrant.
She adds, "The challenge with making short films is that no one wants to produce it, as there are no returns. So I invested my money, pulled a few favours and made it possible. Farhad Dehlvi was the DOP of the film.
We assisted together in our respective departments on Batman — The Dark Knight Rises during its India schedule and as we both were free and decided to do a short together. The entire process of making this film was amazing. A graduate in mass media, Manjari is now planning a feature film.
Cousin speak
Manjari Makijany's cousin is Raveena Tandon. Macmohan and the actress' mother are siblings. "Raveena didi has always been very encouraging and supportive from the beginning. I really look up to her," says Manjari.
While Raveena states, "Manjari has always been very focussed and determined. She is very talented and makes us proud."
