Meet Ashish Panda: The Visionary Behind the Romantic Drama 'Tum Mere Ho'
A New Chapter in Filmmaking
By Arindam Ganguly
With over ten years in the industry and a portfolio boasting more than 40 music videos, Ashish Panda has carved out a unique visual identity. His notable works include hits like 'Humnava Mere', 'Meri Aashiqui', 'Dil Tod Ke', and 'Dil Galti Kar Baitha Hai'. Under the mentorship of filmmaker Kundan Shah, Panda also gained experience as an associate director for Divya Khosla Kumar on projects like Yaariyan and Sanam Re. His collaboration with T-Series further refined his artistic vision. Recently, he made his debut as a feature film director with Tum Mere Ho, a romantic drama featuring Gurmeet Choudhary and Isha Malviya. The film, which intertwines music, romance, and intricate emotions, premiered on October 23. Sunday POST caught up with the emerging director for a brief conversation.
Sunday POST: After years of directing music videos and short films, how does making your feature-film debut feel?
Ashish Panda: It’s an incredibly rewarding experience. After eleven years of dedication and experimenting with various storytelling methods, I am thrilled to finally direct my first feature film. Each experience has played a role in my development, but Tum Mere Ho holds a special place in my heart and signifies an exciting new phase in my career.
SP: How did the idea for Tum Mere Ho come about?
AP: Gurmeet and I share a close friendship and have collaborated on music videos. We stumbled upon a script by Niranjan Iyengar that resonated with us, and we decided to develop the film together. Given my background, I aimed to ensure that music played a pivotal role in the story, transforming it into a musical romantic drama. We wrapped up filming in just 33 days, and the film's emotional depth is what makes it truly special.
SP: How did you adapt your approach from music videos to a full-length feature film?
AP: My journey began with Kundan Shah, and working with Divya Khosla Kumar provided me with invaluable insights. Music videos can be quite challenging due to their brief format and the necessity to align visuals with the rhythm. In contrast, feature films allow for deeper character development, emotional exploration, and narrative building.
SP: How did you envision the pairing of Gurmeet Choudhary and Isha Malviya?
AP: Gurmeet and Isha were already collaborating on a show, and we noticed their chemistry and rapport. Casting is crucial in a romantic drama, as the audience must believe in the connection between the leads. We felt they could bring a refreshing dynamic to the film.
SP: As a filmmaker from Odisha, would you like to explore stories rooted in the state?
AP: The Odia film industry is thriving, and I would be eager to create an Odia film if I find a compelling script. For me, the narrative is always the top priority. My next project is set to begin in January and will delve into a completely different type of story.