No opportunity for writers in showbiz industry: Akashaditya Lama

Mumbai, Dec 9(IANS) Debutant director Akashaditya Lama, who has worked as a writer in television as well as films, says writers don't get an opportunity to showcase their talent.

"There are a lot of places where I used to go, I used to be handed a DVD and be told to write according to that. So I used to wonder what I am supposed to do as a writer. Also I feel that our ideas are very westernised," Lama told IANS.

"We have such a rich literature, why don't we take inspiration from that. We copy Hollywood film stories. You can use techniques and all from films, but not stories. So I feel that writers don't get opportunities," he added.

As a writer, Lama has worked in television for shows like "Kkusum", "Kumkum", "Chehra" and "Jhilmil Sitaron Ka Aangan Hoga". He has been a part of many ad films too.

He is now set to make his Bollywood debut as a director with the film "Cigarette Ki Tarah", which releases Dec 14. It features Prashant Naryanan, Yuvika Chaudhary, Madhurima Tuli and debutant actor Bhoop Yaduvanshi.

Lama calls his transition from small to big screen tough, as it took time for people to recognise him.

"It took a long time for me to make people believe that I am a writer. When they started seeing my name, they recognized me. People used to tell me that you have written for TV and not films. The same thing happened with direction as well. They kept asking me if I have directed before... but how will I if I don't get a chance," he said.

Lama always harboured a dream of becoming a director, but knew that struggle was evident.

"I always wanted to be a director, but in TV I was working as a writer. I wanted to direct only movies. I knew that no one becomes a director in one day. It is a process. I knew I will have to do a lot of things. You need financial stability and a hold on many other things," he said.

Asked how will he deal with the competition in the feature film sector, Lama said: "When a player takes part in a race, he doesn't have a strategy to win. He just runs fast. He focuses on himself."

"Filmmaking is artistic. You have to concentrate on what the audience wants to watch. I always look at my product from the observer's point of view," he added.

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Cigarette Ki Tarah