From being Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s fangirl to becoming the episodic director for his Netflix series Heeramandi, Mitakshara Kumar’s life has come full circle. We caught up with Mitakshara about her experience of working with Bhansali, how she left her mark on it and her takeaways from the audience responses.

You had a long association with Sanjay Leela Bhansali before you ventured out to direct The Empire. What was it like to come back to directing Heeramandi with Bhansali?

Mitakshara Kumar: It was a beautiful homecoming. Working with Sanjay sir is like a film school in itself. So, when I was asked to direct some episodes of Heeramandi, both the attention to detail and the urge to prove myself yet again kicked in. Both of which I think as a filmmaker I am glad to have learned from the best.

What was your first interaction with Bhansali about Heeramandi like?

Mitakshara Kumar: It is everyone’s dream to be able to work with him. This was beyond a dream turning true — being asked to direct something he had envisioned. For me, it meant that he trusted my skills as a filmmaker to be able to do justice to it. Heeramandi had been sir’s passion project for the longest time.

How much scope did you have to have your own voice or expression in the process?

Mitakshara Kumar: The beauty of the art of filmmaking is that the director always finds a way to put a part of themselves in what they direct. In this case, the written material and the world were already very sound, it was like the foundation was laid already. But then as a filmmaker, you take each scene and leave your stamp on it and I’m grateful that I was able to do that, especially for someone who is like a guru and mentor to me.

Which was the most challenging scene or sequence to crack in terms of direction?

Mitakshara Kumar: Every day was a new challenge. More so because there is and has been nothing from India on such a grand and large scale. So, each day for me was first and foremost about staying true to the vision.

One example would be the party scene in Episode 3. It was a very long scene and had to be executed in one space. From the time Fareedan (Sonakshi Sinha) meets Wali (Fardeen Khan) and Bibbo (Aditi Rao Hydari) right till Fareedan and Tajdar (Taha Shah Badussha) meet… These were individual scenes that together made one huge party sequence. To make it hold in terms of screen time and make the space look dynamic and different in each sequence required a lot of homework.

Were there any happy accidents during the shoot? Something that turned out to be better than what you had imagined?

Mitakshara Kumar: I think the scene where Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala) covers her eyes with the earrings! Sir’s brief for the scene was that she needed to be surrounded by jewels. We had the entire scene in place but I wasn’t getting the last punch when she laid on the jewels. After a few takes, it was a spur-of-the-moment thought that this character is obsessed with her power and her riches… What if even with her eyes closed, it’s all she sees? We tried to bring that in the literal sense and it’s turned out better than what was imagined.

Does your process as a director differ from actor to actor?

Mitakshara Kumar: Absolutely. The job of a good filmmaker is to ensure that the written word is enhanced on screen. Each actor’s process is different and therefore they have to be handled and treated accordingly. It is and always has to be teamwork.

For example, some actors believe in workshops and readings, wanting to create a backstory, while some prefer to work on the look and costumes to get in character while some others are spontaneous and do their best without too many rehearsals.

Heeramandi is Bhansali’s debut web series but you had already directed one. Did you have any advice for your mentor on how to put it together?

Mitakshara Kumar: Someone like Bhansali needs no advice. My experience on The Empire helped me because I took to it like a fish takes to water as I was used to the format, the quantum of actors, and the scale of it. I must say it was an enriching experience.

How are you processing the mixed reactions to the show?

Mitakshara Kumar: I know we are all proud of what we made. There is no denying that it took an entire village to put this together and as I’ve mentioned before, the scale and nature of such a show had never been attempted before. For all the love we have received, I only think it’s fair that we also graciously accept the other side of reactions. For makers, it’s always a journey toward learning and unlearning.

So far, you have worked on period dramas. What about this genre appeals to you the most? What are your favourite period dramas?

Mitakshara Kumar: Oh, I love period dramas because they allow us to recreate an era and within that be transported to a time gone by. The research and detailing it needs excites me. The prospect of creating grandiose also excites me as a maker. I am a huge fan of Peaky Blinders, The Crown, Bridgerton and Downton Abbey. I also loved The Alienist. In films, Schindler’s List is an all-time favourite, and all of Bhansali’s work; that goes without saying.

What other genres do you want to explore?

Mitakshara Kumar: I am a storyteller. I want to try my hand at every genre and never want to be boxed into one. My next is a comedy drama and I am already working on another thriller. Cinema excites me, irrespective of the genre.

What are your upcoming projects?

Mitakshara Kumar: Some really exciting films are in the pipeline. I am currently gearing towards my next feature film with Emmay Entertainment (producers of The Empire) that we have been developing. In that sense, I feel blessed as a maker that my producers and actors have faith in me. There’s another feature film I am in talks about.

From being a Bhansali fangirl to directing his show, how do you look at your journey?

Mitakshara Kumar: I think my journey has just begun. I find myself extremely fortunate that the dream I set out to realise has been met with nothing but love and support. As a filmmaker, I still have a long way to go in being able to leave behind a legacy. I never want to stop learning or making the cinema I want to make. Until then I shall continue to enjoy and cherish each day on set and live and breathe the visual medium.

What is a piece of advice that you’d like to give to aspiring filmmakers?

Mitakshara Kumar: Dream big and find the way to tell the story you want to. Trust your gut and intuition, it seldom goes wrong. Most importantly, there will always be detractors on your journey. Don’t ignore them; embrace them, make them your strength and move on. Everything and everyone has something to teach, so never stop learning.