Alisha Rahman music legend AR Rahman’s niece to debut in films
Alisha Rahman, daughter of veteran actor Rahman’s daughter and music legend
AR Rahman’s niece gears up to enter the movie industry.
She worked as an assistant director at the shoot for Mani Ratnam’s directorial ‘Thug Life’ while getting ready to debut as an actress.
Mani Ratnam, the brand is her guru and it was her biggest dream to study cinema under his mentorship. She believes that her prayers have been answered in the form of an opportunity to work in his movie.
‘Thug Life’ is a mindblowing film; it could be called another ‘Nayakan’. Mani Ratnam taught her the use of a clapboard while filming a significant scene.
She was overwhelmed when he considered her even amidst a busy moment and was really fond of her. Mani Ratnam is quite serious on the sets as you can’t afford to laugh and enjoy while handling such huge responsibilities. His movies excel because of his ability to stay true to his art and his opinions.
She was happy even sitting idly with him in his office. For her Madras Talkies was like her home. He supported and took care of her like parents when a small accident happened during the filming. These are some of the fortunate moments that life offers us.
Who doesn’t wish to be Mani Ratnam’s heroine? However, you wouldn’t get the time even to think about it when you are working as an assistant director on his sets.
Alisha recalls meeting screen icon Kamal Haasan for the first time when she accompanied her father to invite him to her elder sister’s wedding. The youngster says that she still remembers every word that he spoke that day. “It indeed is a pride and joy to have a legend like Kamal Haasan on the sets. You could learn something new from him each day.
Occasionally, he speaks about his life experiences, which she believes and has been fortunate to listen to. He is a fine example of how knowledge and wisdom could make a person great. Alisha doesn’t hide her admiration.
An assistant director needs to work without worry heat, dust or rain. It is not possible to take care of your looks once you start working as an assistant. Alisha says that she would be covered in dust and grime when she reaches home after the day’s schedule.
An actor’s tool is her body, so, Alisha makes sure to look after her health. No matter how busy or tired she is, Alisha never skips her skincare routine.
That is also how she balances the work-life routine. Alisha confessed that sometimes she contemplates being a director, forgetting about her dream to become an actress.
“As a kid, it was her cherished dream to become a veterinary doctor. But, it didn’t happen due to many reasons. So, she thought that she could make acting, something I know really well, my profession. That is when I decided to focus on acting. I don’t want to become an actor who merely appears in movies, but I plan to make movies after learning the nuances of cinema as an art form. I think it’s better to know everything about cinema before performing in front of the camera,” notes Alisha.
Alisha wishes to direct a movie. She often jots down interesting things that she has experienced during travelling which she believes will come in handy if she directs a thriller film. Even though she would love to direct her father, her story is about a group of youngsters. Nevertheless, she wishes to direct another movie with a script that suits her father.
She grew up watching her father’s success. He groomed her for the two short films that she had done earlier. It was he who helped her understand the script. He often says that an actor should be able to understand not the lines in the script but the emotions in it.
Dream to act in Malayalam
It is Alisha’s cherished dreams to make her debut in a Malayalam movie and wishes to do movies that are unique and novel. The young movie enthusiast vows that she is overwhelmed by the kind of movies that are made in Malayalam.
She likes singing and finds solace in playing the piano which she learned from Trinity College in London. Uncle always asks me to sing whenever he sees her . But, somehow it hasn’t happened yet. He really enjoys listening to me playing piano.
Her parents and her sister support all her dreams and they are her biggest strength. They give her the strength to chase her dreams. Moreover, they are her biggest critics too.
News Edit K.V.Raman
