Gul: A Passionate Filmmaker's Journey from Chandigarh to Cinematic Success
A Calling to Filmmaking
For filmmaker Gul, the world of cinema was never just a job; it was a profound calling. She expresses, "Filmmaking chooses you. It serves as a medium for me to interpret reality and convey my thoughts."
Early Inspirations and Recognition
Hailing from Chandigarh and having spent her formative years in Kolkata, Gul gained acclaim as a co-director on the popular Netflix series Class, among other notable projects.
A Journey Fueled by Passion
Gul's cinematic journey is marked by passion, resilience, and a deep artistic quest. She recalls, "I was in school in Kolkata when the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray passed away. The school declared a holiday in his honor, and it struck me that a filmmaker could be mourned like a political figure. This sparked my curiosity about storytelling through film."
Refining Her Craft
Her college years in Delhi further honed her cinematic perspective. Engaging with film clubs and festivals enriched her understanding, but it was her role as an assistant on Khamosh Pani, a Punjabi film by Pakistani director Sabiha Sumar, that solidified her ambition to become a filmmaker. "That was the moment I realized I had to pursue this path," she states. Subsequently, she enrolled at the esteemed Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.
Breaking into the Industry
After completing her studies at FTII, Gul moved to Mumbai, driven by an unwavering ambition. She began her career as an associate director on Monsoon Shootout, directed by Amit Kumar and produced by Anurag Kashyap, followed by Gurvinder Singh’s Alms of the Blind Horse, produced by NFDC. However, her significant breakthrough came with her short film, Friday Night, which premiered at the Rotterdam International Film Festival and was later picked up by ShortsTV for worldwide distribution.
Television Success and Challenges
Gul continued her journey with the television series MTV Rush, created by Bejoy Nambiar, and the thriller The Girl in Me for MTV Films. She has also directed numerous commercials and digital films for renowned brands. When Class premiered on Netflix, it quickly became a sensation. "Directing a series of that magnitude is no easy task. It’s akin to producing three feature films simultaneously," Gul explains. With 11 lead characters, various cinematographers—some of whom did not speak Hindi—and extended production timelines complicated by the pandemic, the experience was both challenging and exhilarating.
A Unique Directing Approach
"We didn’t direct episode by episode. Instead, we focused on the characters’ arcs and directed them throughout all eight episodes. I managed the queer storyline of Dhruv and Faruq and the high school scenes, ensuring consistency in tone and authentic performances," she shares. The hard work paid off, as the series received critical acclaim.
Chandigarh Roots
Despite her flourishing career in Mumbai, Gul maintains a strong connection to Chandigarh. Her grandparents were among the city’s early inhabitants, and her parents grew up there. "I spent every summer in Chandigarh, climbing fruit trees at my grandmother’s house, cycling on quiet roads, and putting on plays for family gatherings," she fondly recalls.
Cherished Memories
Her high school experience at Carmel Convent, the same institution her mother attended, further deepened her ties to the city. "Growing up in Chandigarh during the ’80s and ’90s was a dream. I remember sleeping under the stars on the lawn. Those memories keep me grounded, no matter where life takes me."
Future Endeavors
Currently, Gul is developing an original series and two feature films, all at different stages of production. Reflecting on the film industry's transformation, she recognizes the influence of OTT platforms, stating, "Attention spans are decreasing, but the rise of streaming is also paving the way for diverse voices to be heard. It’s a wake-up call for the industry to become smarter and more inclusive."