Contributor Testimonial - Garima Singh

Here's what Garima Singh had to say about "how she got to know about Megha and what made her contribute"

The unconventional has always attracted me. I like experimenting...part of a reason why I am a scientist, professionally. I liked most of the Onir's films. WIth some people you know that they are different and they are there to make a difference. In present days world, with internet all around and much information overload, all kinds of boundaries have disappeared. So everyone knows everything or at least has access to it. But there are always people who look at the same things differently and never mind trying their best anyway.

It was not too long back that I sent a friend request to Onir on facebook, as a part of one of my mission to get in touch with inspiring and creative people throught the world. Soon I got to know about his latest project series I AM. Or may be it was the other way round but I felt welcomed as he added me on his facebook. It was great to be in touch with him and even better if in some way I could have been involved with one of his films. I do have hobbies of writing and documentary film making, but mostly for fun, never thought of making them my profession for myriads of reason. I thought at least this is a great opportunity to be a part of a creative project and a person's endeavors with experimentation for a cause. I was ready to be involved in any of them because I personally liked all of them.

Talking specifically about Megha, I feel it is a great subject in present day's situation. I could not get time initially to visit the Kashmir valley and later on couldn't get a chance to visit the place that has been so much disturbed for so many years. A few months back I watched a documentary by Sarah Singh "The Sky Below", that she had made by visiting and interviewing common people and officials in India, Pak and Kashmir. This movie was screened at Cornell and Sarah had come down for the panel discussions. I admired the way she presented the people's story. It was amazing to see the love in their hearts, the agony that they had been through and all they want now is peace. No one wants millitants or millitary. They just want to get back to the normal life. This part of the story you could never get from the news channels, politicians or the army officials. The part that she showed in her one and a half hour documentary showed how the lives of people are interconnected yet it is such a helpless state to be in.

In Onir's words : " We cannot forget. As long as we keep pushing these under the carpet, being silent and fending for ourselves and our mundane lives, we will not evolve. The fractured society that is will continue to divide us."

It is so true. The matter is too close to my heart even when I have never visited the land and I regret not visiting it after the situation went bad as much as I regret not visiting it before the situation went bad.
MEGHA points to the situation that none amongst us would like to be in, yet we keep mum. Now is the time to make difference in ways we can. I guess movies even when they cannot bring out social revolution, can certainly affect the mindset of the common people who still have movies and television as one of the most and may be only way of entertainment in India.

This was a piece of my thinking with disclaimer that it is not intended to hurt anyone's philosophies, ideas or agenda.

Volunteer Testimonial - Arati

We shared with you all about Perception Managers joining Team "IAM". Let's also hear it from Arati on how she got involved with the project.

Perception Managers has had a long term association with Onir's movies from Bas ek pal to Sorry Bhai & now I Am. It's a priviledge to work with Onir once again on I AM which addresses issues that concern and affect each one of in some way. Onir's sensitive and delicate handling of My Brother Nikhil is been seen and appreciated not just in India but globally. We wish Onir, Sanjay Suri & the entire team Good Luck and look forward to great association on this project.

Contributor Testimonial - Damini and Raaj

Here's what Damini and Raaj have to say about "how the got to know about Abhimanyu and what made them contribute"

we learnt about the project from the papers... and since we know of Onir and his work we were certain the money would be put to the best use... and its our privilege to be part of a project with a heart and soul... can't think of a better use for our money...

Contributor Testimonial - Hiyaa Aashish Israni

Hiyaa on how she got to know about Abhimanyu and what made her contribute

Why I contributed to Abhimanyu...well...the reasons are personal first and then the social cause comes up.

I met Onir at Sanjay's place a couple of years ago. He and Sanjay (who is my cousin) had just completed 'My Brother Nikhil' and we got chatting. I probably now exchange more news with Onir than Sanju though it is mostly online. I have been assisted by Sanjay when I needed assistance really badly (Thank you Sanju, it meant a lot) and he is such a gem of a person. I wish I could do more but I am starting with what I can. They both are making films that do have a reason for being there. I feel both of them are worthy of more recognition than what they get. I am a huge fan of both of these wonderful people and I am so glad to know they are making films that do leave a mark on the audience. It makes me think of them as doing their bit for humanity in their own way.

Why shouldn't I be a part of it? Guys, I am really proud of you both! I hope to contribute to your other ventures too and I hope the amounts get bigger and better. Social issues in India are a hush. Incest, abuse, rapes...these are a few of the things our citizens like to sweep under the carpet and pretend it doesn't exist. It does exist and every 6th person one knows has actually, in his or her own lifetime been through it. Yes...these five films are something I will definitely be a part of...and more projects thereafter. I sure am in !!!

I encourage others to do their bit...every little assistance counts.

You can read testimonials by other contributors at http://iamabhimanyu.blogspot.com/2009/05/testimonials-by-contributors.html

Contributor Testimonial - Valentina Erath

Valentina on how she got to know about Abhimanyu and what made her contribute

Hi,

I read the article about the project "Abhimanyu" in a german Bollywood Magazin called "ISHQ".
Being interested i wrote an enquiry to the said e-mail adress and Onir was so kindly and send me further information about "Abhimanyu".
I never thought that it might be possible for "normal" people to be a contributor and co-owner of such a Bollywood-film. I think the subject of this project is a very sensitive one - also here in Europa/Austria.

There have been several cases like the story of "Natascha Kampusch" and the story of the "Fritzl-Family" which are the worst i have ever heard. So i think "Abhimanyu" should be also be on screens in Austria.

Another case is that i like the films of Bollywood very much because they show all what in Hollywood films is missing. And another case is that the name "Abhimanyu" has been the steppingstone for the career of Shahrukh Khan as he played a character called "Abhimanyu" in the TV-Series "Fauji".
I think you should ask him also to contribute this project (no - not for money but even for a cameo) - i think he didn't know actually about "Abhimanyu". - i furtheron think that he should be involved somehow in "MEGHA" because he often playd with Juhi Chawla in his films and they go well together ("Darr" "One2Ka4" "Paheli" "Ram Jane" "Yes Boss" , ...). - and moreover
Shahrukh Khan is original Pathan !!!

So you can see that there are many reasons to contribute this project.

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Sidharth Meer Volunteers to do "Opening and Closing Titles"

Around the same time that Rajeev volunteered to do "Making of Abhimanyu", Sidharth Meer offered to make the "Opening and Closing Titles" for the film. Here's what Sidharth had to say(as it is) about what made him volunteer

My reasons for working on Abhimanyu are varied.

1. I worked with Onir first on Sorry Bhai. I did the opening and closing titles for that film. It was probably one of the best working relationships I've had with anyone from the indian film industry. Having a chance to work with him again is not something I would want to miss out on.

2. I also happen to be in a transition phase. I recently spent the first 4 months of the year in Los Angeles, working on my motion graphics and visual effects skills with some of the best artists in Hollywood. Currently I am working on a brand new reel and website and this gives me an opportunity to have a good piece to add to it.

3. Not really relevant but my brothers name is Abhimanyu.

Best,

Sid

Thanks a lot Sidharth for lending a helping hand !! You can find more about Sidharth's work here

You too can volunteer for Abhimanyu. To discuss, drop an email to abhimanyu.anticlockfilms@gmail.com

Testimonials by Contributors

Here's what people who've contributed for Abhimanyu have to say about this initiative. Many thanks for everyone whose contributed.

Seema:

Hi Onir,
I like that u are asking for financial help, fearlessly ,for Abimanyu
U cn count me in for 25,000.00, and maybe a little more as things progress. I deeply care for the issue at hand.

Luv
Seema

Based on your last couple of films, I trust U will do justice to this sensitive ,unexplored and very prevelent subject , in India .

I pledge Thirty Thousand Rupees towards Abhimanyu.

Good Luck
Seema

Deep Basu

Onir is a gud friend and i love the way he makes his films...the story of abhimanyu really touched me and i seriously wanted to be a part of this film and would like to be in all THE films in the near future made by anticlock films and Onir .

Nandini

I have contributed because these messages of social justice and conscience are very important for our times and country and deserve to be well-depicted in film; I can think of no one more able to do this job than Onir, director of My Brother Nikhil.

Cheers,
Nandini

Mahua

I was in college with Onir and have followed his amazing work over the years. I am happy to support Abhimanyu and am looking forward to its completion.

Best, Mahua

Hiyaa:

Why I contributed to Abhimanyu...well...the reasons are personal first and then the social cause comes up.

I met Onir at Sanjay's place a couple of years ago. He and Sanjay (who is my cousin) had just completed 'My Brother Nikhil' and we got chatting. I probably now exchange more news with Onir than Sanju though it is mostly online. I have been assisted by Sanjay when I needed assistance really badly (Thank you Sanju, it meant a lot) and he is such a gem of a person. I wish I could do more but I am starting with what I can. They both are making films that do have a reason for being there. I feel both of them are worthy of more recognition than what they get. I am a huge fan of both of these wonderful people and I am so glad to know they are making films that do leave a mark on the audience. It makes me think of them as doing their bit for humanity in their own way.

Why shouldn't I be a part of it? Guys, I am really proud of you both! I hope to contribute to your other ventures too and I hope the amounts get bigger and better. Social issues in India are a hush. Incest, abuse, rapes...these are a few of the things our citizens like to sweep under the carpet and pretend it doesn't exist. It does exist and every 6th person one knows has actually, in his or her own lifetime been through it. Yes...these five films are something I will definitely be a part of...and more projects thereafter. I sure am in !!!

I encourage others to do their bit...every little assistance counts.