MIT graduate lights up Bollywood

Monday, 23 April 2007

MIT graduate lights up Bollywood’s glamorous stage

A Manukau Institute of Technology communications graduate is living the glamorous life as she embarks on her new career in Kollywood, a regional offshoot of Bollywood, the Indian film industry, which is the largest in the world in terms of the number of films produced each year.

Padma Akula, who previously lived in Manukau, is due to graduate with her Bachelor in Communication degree at MIT’s formal graduation ceremony this May but is now based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She is working as assistant director on a Ram Gopal Varma film called Leelai starring Madhavan, Sada and Shamita Shetty.

The 26-year-old admits that it’s a dream come true. “I grew up watching Indian cinema and it mesmerised me. People always talked about the world of cinema as being a kingdom of illusion but I wanted to see the reality behind the scenes and the only way I could achieve that was by being a part of that realm.”

While still studying at the institute, Padma used her public relations savvy and confidence to chase work in India. “I did a lot of homework about the industry, getting in touch with people related to the industry in any way through online communities and the chat system.

“Even though I am ethnically an Indian I had never worked in India so it was definitely a culture shock. Indian cinema is a male-dominated field. There is only one other female crew member on this set so it’s been crucial for me to establish myself as part of the team. I had to understand the working style, protocols and mental attitude.

“Papers at MIT such as intercultural communications made a world of difference. The communications degree has prepared me for real work with real assignments and projects. The professionalism and confidence I carry is partly because of my degree – it’s there in the way I deal with situations and my priorities at work.”

Padma’s current priority is helping ensure Leelai is ready for release by June this year and that means 18-hour days on set. “The focus is always on what’s best for the production.

“I have worked with the art director on props and with the cinematographer on camera position. I have also been involved in dialogue writing with the director and dialogue coaching and prompting with the female actors who don’t speak Tamil. I even travelled to Bangkok to help shoot a song sequence.

“The knowledge gained from the interaction with almost every department is invaluable. The communications degree has given me the tools to sculpt my career and I’m loving every minute of it.”

ENDS

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