This film producer needs no introduction, having produced many notable films such as Na Tum Jaano Na Hum (2002), Chura Liya Hai Tumne (2003) and Namastey London (2007), Aap Kaa Surroor (2007), Karma Crime Passion Reincarnation (2008) and Hexing (2019). He has also launched many actors and actresses in the industry such as Esha Deol, Zayed Khan, Himesh Reshammiya, Hansika Motwani, etc.
Vivek Singhania also well-known as the CEO and President of Picture Perfect has been well-associated with films that have won many awards at Film Festivals around the world.
Let’s take a peek into the life of this multi-talented Producer -Writer and soon-to-be Director.
1) What prompted you to become a film producer?
“I decided to become a Filmmaker after I saw the film Jaws by Stephen Spielberg when I was barely 9-10 years old. I wanted to direct films but by chance ended up becoming a Producer first at least in the case of Feature Films. My first short film, THE QUEENSWALK LEGEND, though was directed by me and won the Gold Seal at the IAC Film Festival in 1991 in the UK.”
2) Walk me through a typical day in your life. How does it start? What do you do?
“I don’t like routine days. I like every day to be completely different from the last. I’m always looking for new adventures every day.”
3) What prompts you before you decide whether to produce a film or not?
“For me, the story of the film must touch me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be interested in developing a project. But then as a Professional Producer, there are times when I am paid to produce films where the studio/investors feel they need my expertise.”
4) Which international films have you produced and which Is your favourite?
“I’ve produced German, Hollywood, Spanish and French films amongst others. It is very difficult to pick a favourite one. Each has given me something memorable – some were great fun, some benefitted me financially, some introduced me to new ways of producing and utilising resources and so on.”
5) What was the recent most challenging film that you have worked on and why?
“I would say the most challenging film I ever worked on was AAP KAA SURROR in 2007. This film was on a mega budget and was filmed extensively in Germany and Thailand. The film went on floors on 5 March 2007 and I had a deadline to release it in cinemas on 29 June 2007. During these few weeks, I had to shoot a very high-quality production with stunts that had never been seen in Ian cinema and then censor market, promote and release the film. There could have been any number of roadblocks but despite my worst fears I even surprised myself with this film”
6) What do you think is the key ingredient to make a film successful?
“I don’t think anybody knows this. No film producer or director has been able to get either box office success or critical acclaim for each and every film s/he has made. Films are a means of storytelling and frankly, no one can always predict what will appeal to audiences.”
7) How engaged are you with TVCs and Web series?
“I used to produce a lot of TVCs earlier but nothing recently since the pandemic. I am definitely interested in producing web series and my first one is presently in post-production.”
8) Which universities have you been invited to speak about Bollywood at?
“I have been often to Whistling Woods and Sapienza, the University of Rome. Lately, I have been invited regularly to SP Jain IMR. Besides I have been fortunate enough to get invitations to speak to students at Princeton University, NJ and to many Universities in India and outside.”
9) What is your greatest professional achievement as a producer so far?
“I would not like to think I have achieved anything that great so far. I hope It is yet to come!”
10) What are your next projects as a producer?
“I have developed many new web series projects which I will present to streaming platforms and I will be directing my first Bollywood feature film later this year.”
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Impactful questions and frank answers