Rajesh Singh On How He Saw The Mandi | Golden Podium

The word ‘Mandi’ reminds us of a classic that shattered some prevalent stereotypes. In a different context, in a different way, Rajesh Singh’s ‘Mandi’ will try to break some molds as well. Here we present a very expressive Rajesh talking about his forthcoming documentary...

Q: Rajesh, why a documentary? Considering that we don’t have a huge audience for documentaries in this country, why did you choose the difficult path?

RS: Audio-visual medium always intrigued me and capturing images with sound at its raw best is the beauty of documentary. I love the beauty of capturing the moments in the real time. Most of the time, documentary captures unadulterated expressions, which cannot be staged or rehearsed.

When we say documentary, old DD documentaries or NEWS reel come to our mind. Now documentaries are being made in an engaging and entertaining way. Most of the time we seek public broadcasting as a medium to distribute the film. With the emergence of large number of TV channels in NEWS and Knowledge category, now we have a good scope  and options of broadcasting.

In the recent past we have seen documentaries getting release in India and appreciated well by audiences. The rat race is a perfect example, distributed by PVR.

Q: What is ‘Mandi’ about?

RS: Mandi is a film on Asia’s largest vegetables and fruit market, Aazdpur Delhi. Azadpur Mandi is Asia’s largest vegetable fruit market in terms of arrival. Mandi gives the medium of earning to thousands of people. It’s an economical hub which caters the needs of the city, state, country and sometime the neighboring country. An unsaid hierarchy is formed here, all the jobs are divided which constitutes a different social structure and place individuals in a different social realms. There are porters, retailers, helpers to retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, farmers etc. associated with this Mandi. Everyone has their own reasons to be part of this Mandi. Every year thousands of people from villages or small towns come to Mandi to seek a job here.

Mandi plays a vital role in their and their families’ life. An emotional cord has been established between them and Mandi, which has its pro and cons. This attachment and detachment make what they are today.

Thus a series of questions underlies the film. How can they make a better life for themselves, their families and their children? How does Mandi affect their life and their relationship? How do the insecurities of their past amalgam with the new conflicts bestowed by Mandi?

Q: The trailer gives out a good idea about it. It will be really interesting how it comes out in the end. Where did you get the inspiration?

RS: My cameraman wanted to do this story. His friends work in Mandi and he spent good time of his youth in Mandi. He brought this subject to my attention. Initially, I wasn’t so keen to take up this subject. The way he narrated me his version of Mandi, sounded so one-dimensional and shallow to me. When on his insistence I visited the place, I realized that there was so much to this place than my plain way of approaching it.

Q: You must have faced some challenges while shooting. Please share a few.

RS: Challenges make your shooting a fun. Everyday brought a new surprise. We were the crew of two people. We shot this film in freezing winter of Delhi, there were days and nights we didn’t get a chance to take a small nap.. We didn’t want to miss any moment. Mandi operates 24 hours. Many of our scenes were shot at night and in early morning. For some days we had to change our sleep cycle. But, it was all fun.

Q: Rajesh, what inspires you in life and work?

RS: The way every moment of life and work surprises you and intrigues you to its core. Every failure in life and work motivates you to go ahead. And success gives you a reason to ask for more.

We wish Rajesh and his team success and acclaim.