EXCLUSIVE: ‘Heeriye’ director Taani Tanvir calls Dulquer Salmaan “naturally honest, charming guy”, speaks on women in Indian Cinema; says, “Each advancement is a hard-won victory. Gender is something you’re rarely allowed to forget”

Taani Tanvir, known for her work in Hindi dialogues for films like Lingaa and I, has carved a unique space in the industry with her rich storytelling and deep cultural roots. Her portfolio boasts projects like ‘Sang Rahiyo,’ ‘Tu Hai,’ ‘Heeriye,’ ‘Dastoor,’ and ‘Ranjha Reprise.’ In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Tanvir shared her thoughts on her creative journey, the evolution of women’s roles in cinema, and what’s next.Taani Talks About Childhood in Kashmir and Its InfluenceAs the first woman film director from Jammu and Kashmir, Taani spoke about how growing up in the 1990s shaped her narrative approach. "Growing up in turbulent J&K was a trial by fire," she shared. Her escape was found in books and her grandfather’s tales. These early influences, along with the region's culture, have deeply influenced her work. Her storytelling is a blend of romance, politics, feminism, magical realism, and fantasy.Learning from the Best: Collaborations with AR Rahman and Mohsen MakhmalbafTanvir had the rare opportunity to work with renowned filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf through an AR Rahman Foundation workshop in 2020. Mohsen’s grounded, unsentimental approach to filmmaking left a strong impression on her. Similarly, Rahman's gentle humility inspired her to create meaningful work. Reflecting on her time with both, she said, “Interacting with them was mesmerising and has influenced my storytelling journey."Behind the Scenes of Heeriye with Dulquer SalmaanOne of Tanvir’s standout projects, ‘Heeriye,’ took over a year to produce. She said, “‘Heeriye’ demanded a year of my life to bring into being. Success or failure wasn’t my concern; all I longed for was to breathe life into the music and lyrics. When crafting the story, I was drawn to the timeless ballad of Heer and Ranjha. Every time I revisit such epic love tales, the inevitable tragedy always leaves me with a lingering ache.”She further added, “My approach to storytelling blossomed into something beyond anything I had envisioned. And the credit goes to everyone involved but a little extra to DQ for being the perfect Ranjha for the video. Dulquer naturally is an honest, charming guy whose authenticity as a person translates onto the screen effortlessly. My favourite actor till date to work with.”Balancing Art and CommerceNavigating between artistic vision and commercial viability is a challenge Tanvir embraces. She aims to keep her storytelling intact while integrating feedback from stakeholders. “Perhaps it’s the middle-class instinct in me that values responsibility with other people’s investments,” she noted, adding that the financial aspects sometimes influence creative decisions, leading to compromises.Reflections on Women in Indian CinemaTanvir acknowledged the progress of women in the Indian film industry but noted that challenges remain. “As in every field, women are gradually finding their place in the narrative, though our presence remains small and far from equal. Yet, we persist, creating space for ourselves one step at a time. Compared to the past, more women now hold positions of power and decision-making roles, but each advancement is a hard-won victory. Gender is something you’re rarely allowed to forget; many still struggle to adjust to a woman taking the lead. On sets, Mistakes are magnified, and to counter that, you find yourself labelled “difficult” when demanding what’s needed for your project, only to be called “just like a man” when you finally meet others' expectations.”A Career Shaped by Unexpected OpportunitiesAs an introvert, Tanvir shared that networking was never her strong suit. Her projects have mostly come her way serendipitously. Though this approach has its own struggles and a slower pace, she appreciates the freedom it allows in choosing projects that resonate with her values. “I would like to keep loving what I do and good people you associate with make a lot of difference in keeping you sane through all the madness which is filmmaking,” she added.Upcoming Projects: Sufi Romance and Political DramaLooking ahead, Tanvir is working on two film scripts she’s deeply connected to—one, a Sufi romance set in Kashmir, and the other, a political drama rooted in Punjab. With strong female protagonists, these stories reflect her commitment to narratives that resonate with her heritage. She hopes to begin pre-production for both projects next year.Also Read: 1 Year of ‘Heeriye’: Inside Dulquer Salmaan and Taani Tanvir’s celebration