Debutant Anubhav Anand’s first film PERFECT MISMATCH, is releasing on July 17th, 2009. This IT professional from IBM, did his education to please his parents but his passion was always films. He says that he is lucky to have Boman Irani and Anupam Kher returning together to big screen in this family comedy. Directed by Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad it stars Anubhav Anand in lead opposite Nandana Sen. Shot in just 27 days in America, this Indo-American production is a passionate view of hilariously star-crossed romance while never forgetting the importance of family, culture, and staying true to one’s emotions.
We catch the new comer Anubhav in a candid conversation
Q: What is your take on “PERFECT MISMATCH”?
Anubhav: If you are one of those people out there who complain about good movies not being made anymore then this one is for you. The standard question asked is what is the USP of the film. I humbly believe that the USP of “PERFECT MISMATCH” is that it’s a “good” movie. It’s funny and not offensive. And it has Boman and Anupam back on screen.
Q: What was the experience of working with Actors like Boman Irani & Anupam Kher?
Anubhav: It was very fruitful learning experience. I had more scenes with Anupam Kher since he plays my uncle in the movie. As an actor you can’t help but perform well when around good actors. Boman is a riot. His comic timing and how he becomes the character from head to toe is unbelievable.
Q: How was your chemistry with Nandana Sen.
Anubhav: Nandana Sen is a very dedicated actor. She gets involved in the script beyond just her character which is a very strong attribute. I think we created a very good chemistry in the movie and have been appreciated for the same.
Q: What pulled you to the story of PERFECT MISMATCH?
Anubhav: They say matches are made in heaven. In real life there are only Mismatches. And that’s what makes the relationships exciting. The movie celebrates one such Mismatch of relationships that we all will relate to directly or indirectly, something that we all have experienced in some form or another.
Q: Did you attend special training before getting into acting as profession?
Anubhav: I don’t think that anyone can learn acting or anyone can teach acting. It’s either in you or its not. Still I do believe formal training does help hone your skills. My first encounter with an acting class was at the School of Performing Arts in Clemson University in the USA. Later, while working for IBM in USA, I joined the evening classes for the Acting course and Advanced acting course at the Pittsburgh Filmmakers Institute. When I moved back to India I joined the 6 month course at the prestigious Roshan Taneja’s Acting Studio.
Q: We have heard that you have been involved with the film beyond acting too.
Anubhav: Yes. My involvement with my first project “PERFECT Mismatch” started much before the actual filming of the movie. I started writing the story for the movie while pretending to be working at the desk of my well-paying IBM job. The progression from the story to a screenplay happened on its own.
Q: Your director is of Hollywood fame?
Anubhav: Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad has been designing videos for such recording artiste as Dr Gre, Brandy and Fatboy Slim. His feature films, television and advertising credits include Dungeons and Dragon, the movie for New Line Cinema, the Pretender television series for NBC and Star wars for Twentieth Century Fox amongst many others. He has won several awards for his short films.
Q: Your Cinematographer Robert Mehnert is also one of the top ones from Hollywood. Did the film need special handling?
Anubhav: Bob (as he is fondly called) is not only a great cinematographer but also a very nice human being. He has done Hollywood films like Air Force One, Fight Club, The Game, The Horse Whisper, Jurassic Park 3, Twister, Meet Joe Black, Metro, Men Of Honor, Space Cowboys, The Sum On All Fears etc. His vast experience and knowledge brought a lot of credibility to the movie. Remember that director of photography makes hell lot of a difference to any film.
Q: Tell us in detail about the shoot. Any particular things you like to share?
Anubhav: In this film, I am acting with the experienced actors like Anupam Kher and Boman Irani. While shooting with Anupam Kher for an Emotional sequence between him and me, I surprised him by crying instantly and spontaneously without glycerin. Anupam was so impressed. He told me that I have really got the knack of acting well. Working with Anupam Kher and Boman Irani is been a big learning curve in my career. They just Rock!!!”
Q: “PERFECT Mismatch” has been to a few Film Festivals? What has been the viewer’s response?
Anubhav: One word – Phenomenal. Cinequest Film Festival, California, USA was our first film festival and we had sold out seats for the two of our shows. It was the first test for the film as the audience was unbiased and their response was genuine. They all stayed back after the movie finished to share their thoughts and congratulate the whole team of PERFECT Mismatch.
We also got invited as a closing night film at the SAIFF, New York. It’s an honor to be invited to be a closing night film at a film festival.
Q: What comments did you get about yourself, by audience? Any special memorable comment?
Anubhav: The most common and favorite comment that I got from the audience at the festival screenings was that I was very natural.
One memorable comment came after the movie finished and one of the ladies came over to me and said – “I am not a big fan of Bollywood actors, but I do wish I had gotten my daughter to meet you”.
Q: Any other films on the anvil?
Anubhav: Yes. My next is a murder mystery that should start around August. But for now, it’s just “PERFECT Mismatch” I want to talk about.
