Tisca Chopra's Directorial Debut: Exploring the Depths of 'Saali Mohabbat'

Tisca Chopra's Journey into Direction

After dedicating years to acting in various plays, films, and television series, Tisca Chopra unveiled her aspirations in filmmaking with the short film Chutney in 2016. This project, directed by Jyoti Kapur Das and co-written by Chopra, features her in a prominent role and presents a dark narrative where appearances can be deceiving.

Following Chutney, Chopra co-wrote and starred in two additional short films, Chhuri (2017) and Rubaru (2020). With her latest project, Saali Mohabbat, she has stepped into the role of director.

Produced by Manish Malhotra and co-written by Chopra, Saali Mohabbat features Radhika Apte as a housewife harboring secrets. The film also includes Anshumaan Pushkar, Divyenndu, Sauraseni Maitra, Anurag Kashyap, and Sharat Saxena in significant roles. It is set to premiere on ZEE5 on December 12.

In an interview, Tisca Chopra shared insights about the inspiration behind Saali Mohabbat and her directorial approach. Here are some highlights from the conversation.

Transitioning from Acting to Directing

As an established actor, how does it feel to create a feature film?

It hasn’t fully hit me yet. I was just living my life as usual. I feel a sense of satisfaction, I suppose.

Shabana Azmi once mentioned her ongoing struggle to find quality roles. I realized it would be wise to prepare scripts and direct my own films to avoid that struggle as I age.

The positive reception of Chutney certainly motivated me.

Crafting the Story of 'Saali Mohabbat'

What themes influenced Saali Mohabbat?

I collaborated with my husband, Sanjay Chopra, on the script, with Namrata Shenoy as our co-writer.

I have always been drawn to intricate, twisty narratives. I find human nature fascinating, particularly the conflicting desires that create drama. The internal world often mirrors or even surpasses the external world.

Just as nature experiences its own upheavals, we too face internal conflicts. The interplay of greed and desire captivates me.

Character Inspiration and Casting Choices

What inspired the character played by Radhika Apte?

As a child, I often traveled with my parents and would observe people on buses, pondering their lives. This curiosity about ordinary lives left a lingering sadness in me.

In today's world, where everyone seeks attention through extravagant displays, I wonder about those who remain unnoticed. Could it be that those who appear vibrant on the outside lead empty lives, while the quieter ones possess rich inner worlds? This notion sparked the idea behind the character.

What qualities did you seek in your cast?

Primarily, I looked for skilled actors. The script carried the emotional weight, so I needed performers who could convey depth with subtlety. I advised Radhika to underplay her character, allowing the script to shine through. She embraced this approach effortlessly.

Collaboration with Manish Malhotra

How did Manish Malhotra get involved as a producer?

A mutual friend informed me that Manish was interested in producing films. I’ve known him since our first project together, which never materialized, but this one did, and I feel fortunate to have him on board.

Future Plans for 'Saali Mohabbat' and Beyond

Will there be a sequel to Saali Mohabbat?

I hope so, depending on the audience's response. We have a script ready, and I believe the story has much more to explore.

I intend to continue directing and have two more projects lined up, where I also plan to act and produce. We’ll see how everything unfolds.