had been an actor-writer Sumeet Vyas‘I have dreamed for a long time to start directing. The opportunity presented itself when he met writer Khyati Anand Puthran at her children’s playgroup. Their collaboration, Raat Jawaan Hai, is a story about three best friends who are new to parenthood. For Vyas, the Barun Sobti, Priya Bapat and Anjali Anand starrer is about the smallest things in life. In conversation with Midday, the first-time director talks about the SonyLIV show, his own experiences with fatherhood, the interesting casting and more.
Director Sumeet Vyas. Photos/Instagram, AFP
Edited excerpt from the interview.
After writing and directing road trip shows and dark shows, what prompted you to direct something about fatherhood and friendship?
The writer of the show is Khyati Anand. [Puthran]. It was a coincidence that our children were friends and played together in a nearby park. In March 2022, he told me he was writing a script about early parenthood and friendship. He asked me if I would like to direct it. I read the script and I liked it. She had written two episodes and we started working together from there. Plus, we were both going through that phase, so we could contribute our personal experiences. As we developed the story, the plot became more about friendship. We realized that friendship is the first victim of [parenthood] since one cannot dedicate the same time to one’s friends as before.
Do you think it is more difficult for women than for men?
Of course! If two partners are actively involved in raising children, then it becomes difficult. For example my wife [Ekta Kaul] has taken a break from work. She is taking care of the child, so how can I go party somewhere? I finish my work and go home. I have very little time to spend with Ved, so I prefer to do so. Male or female, whichever parent decides to stay behind and care for the child, it affects them the most. His social life is almost non-existent.
While doing the show, did anything surprise you?
The only thing I have understood about parenthood is that it is very similar but different. The good and evil of each person are different. So when they become parents, their rules differ. Parenting cannot be generalized because we have all grown up in varied circumstances and economic backgrounds.
In one episode, Barun Sobti’s character says that dogs are better than children. Did you receive any criticism for it?
avinash [Sobti’s character] He’s surrounded by friends, so he doesn’t have to filter what he says. He has a son and now wants to have a dog. when they add [Bapat] chides him, asking if it is the same, Radhika [Anand] He says that the animal does not have the responsibility to grow, to take care of its elders. From the moment children are born, they are told that they have to be the first in their class, learn tennis, become scientists and all that. [laughs].
Many people now choose not to have babies. Your opinion?
To each his own. I don’t think any aspect of life completes you. I always wanted to have a child and I have friends who don’t; Either option is fine. No matter what decision you make, the grass is always greener on the other side. If your child cries at night while his friends relax, he may be missing out. On the other hand, they may feel that you are lucky to be able to play with a child. We in India should not worry about this. We have an abundant population. [laughs].
What made you focus on this cast?
The first actress we approached was Priya, she is also Khyati’s friend. When Khyati was writing the role, she had Priya in mind. When we approached her, she was beyond excited to be a part of this. She is exceptional on the show. Anjali was a complete surprise. I had never seen his previous work. Sony recommended that we meet her. The ease with which he carries himself is something extraordinary. Barun’s casting came out of nowhere. We were struggling to find Avinash. i saw korra [2023] Around that time, she called him and suggested the role. He is a desi boy and very funny.
Have you ever felt the need to be on the other side of the camera?
Not with this program. From the beginning I always wanted to direct it. There’s a certain rhythm I wanted to it. Like when we watched Malgudi Days, [even though] All episodes were 30 minutes long. I wanted to tell a story withtasli. If someone can’t watch the show for 30 minutes too and has to watch five reels, then they won’t be able to watch it. I didn’t want to compromise temperament. If people can relate to the story, they will watch it.
As a first-time director, did you feel like you had to prove yourself?
No, I thought I would. But from the second or third day I found my rhythm. We filmed for about 40 to 45 days straight. I didn’t feel like I had to prove anything to anyone. I wanted to tell the story as honestly as possible. The story requires a certain rhythm because it deals with smaller things. [in life]There is no melodrama in it. A reference point I had is a film I had acted in many years ago, English Vinglish. [2012]. There is innocence in this narrative, which is why it connects with a broader audience.
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