TTTs Next AAMAD Starring Saqib Saleem Releases on Father's Day

By: BWW News Desk Jun. 15, 2017

Terribly Tiny Talkies is set to release its very special short film 'Aamad' on this Father's Day 18th June, 2017. The film is written and directed by Neeraj Udhwani and stars Saqib Saleem, Arif Zakaria, Charu Rohatgi and Abeer Pandit.

A Brief Synopsis

In Urdu, the word "Aamad" means arrival. In Kathak "Aamad" is the initiation of spoken rhythms or "bol" which also herald the entry of the performer.

"Aamad" is the story of a father and son and their shared inheritance of loss. An inheritance that tears them apart and yet binds them together.

Abhay returns home to find his father on his deathbed. Old painful memories resurface. Will he be able to make amends for the faults of his past? As his father passes on, will this be Abhay's rites of passage? Will Abhay heed the call of the bloodline, despite the tinkering strains of the past?

This is the 21st film which will be released by Terribly Tiny Talkies.

Director Neeraj Udhwani quotes his experience on making 'Aamad'

"Aamad is at its essence a father son story. Most boys, during their teenage years, have a strained relationship with their father. I remember I had one. But when we grow up, we look back and realise how much our immature behaviour must have hurt our parents. Though we seldom apologise. Aamad is the story of a son apologising to his father and correcting the mistake of his boyhood before it gets too late.

For this short film, casting was very crucial. I needed an actor who looked masculine and yet would look graceful while performing kathak. My first choice was Saqib Saleem with whom I have previously worked on Mere Dad Ki Maruti, a film I had written. And to my good fortune, he agreed to do it after reading the script. He knew the film entailed him learning a bit of kathak which is a difficult dance to master. But Saqib rose up to the challenge and practiced it every day for hours and hours with the choreographer Ishita Sharma for many days until he got it right.

For the father's role, I needed a fine actor who had the physicality of a dancer. My casting director Shaarika suggested Arif Zakaria and again to my luck, he agreed. Charuji, another fine actor, came on board as the mother. And Abeer Pandit, an amazing discovery by my casting director, plays the younger version of Saqib.

I couldn't have asked for better producers than TTT for this film. My sensibilities matched with Sharanya, Anuj and Chintan right from the first meeting.

Also my co producer Ishita Moitra Udhwani (starry-eyed films) for backing me right till the end and her strong belief in the story. I feel blessed that all the right people came together. Without them, this wouldn't have happened."

Actor Saqib Saleem shares his experience on working with Neeraj Udhwani

"I know Neeraj for a while now as he wrote 'Mere Dad Ki Maruti' and we meet often to discuss ideas. He shared the idea of 'Aamad' with me and asked me what I thought. When I read it, I instantly fell in love with the story and I told him that he shouldn't look for anyone else as I want to do it. It's such a simple yet complex film as it speaks about the unsaid things in a father-son relationship."

Chintan Ruparel, Co-founder & Chief Creative Officer (TTT) invites everyone to watch 'Aamad'

"This is the first time we're exploring a theme like this, with traditional dance as the backdrop. Add to that, the awkwardness and restrained expression of love between father and son. 'Aamad' is the perfect example of a simple story well told and its director Neeraj Udhwani's relentless belief and persistence that has made the film happen. This Father's Day, we extend an invitation (Aamad) to everyone to watch this film."

About Terribly Tiny Talkies

Terribly Tiny Talkies is a storytelling collective which brings together distinctive and talented filmmakers from across the country to craft thematic short films. Each talkie is under fifteen minutes, and filmed around either a central keyword or idea. TTT endures to save the fading art of the narrative, one frame at a time. Terribly Tiny Talkies is part of Terribly Tiny Tales - India's largest and most celebrated social storytelling platform. Till date, Terribly Tiny Talkies has 20 short films to its name. TTT had 5 of its films shortlisted at Jio Filmfare Awards, 2017 in their short film category and has also won awards at different national and International Festivals last year.

Here's a list of the 20 short films which have been released by Terribly Tiny Talkies.

1. RIP

2. EL'AYICHI

3. Deuce

4. Bunny

5. The Last Day

6. Mamta Tonic

7. L

8. Cheers

9. Arre Baba

10. Cuddly

11. Agli Baar