In early 2018, I started scripting Bun Maska, an out and out, Parsi feature length entertainer. The story was clear in my head from day one. I had my own childhood experiences of the Parsi Irani cafes of Mumbai, added to that my Bawa advantage. Additionally needed was - research of what actually went on in these cafes to get the ambiance and feel, correct.
I visited a number of Cafes in Mumbai; B. Merwan & Co., Kyani & Co., Cafe Excelsior, Sassanian, Cafe Military; spoke to some of the owners of these cafes, only the willing ones. Relished the Akuri, Kheema pav, Irani Chai and of course the Bun Maska, at cost.
The research not only proved to be helpful for the script but also a treat in gastronomy.
Then, I came across Kunal Vijayakar's video on YouTube where he visits the Sassanian cafe with Mr. Deepak Rao, a police officer turned Historian. I saw a couple of videos of Mr. Deepak Rao where he very enthusiastically shares his knowledge of the Parsi Irani Cafes of Mumbai. I got in touch with him and he obliged to meet. Over a cup of coffee, he open-heartedly shared not only the glorious past of these cafes but also his personal experiences with them.
Once the Screenplay was ready, I pitched the story idea to all possible OTT platforms, Film Production Companies and Studios. While waiting for months for the reply from each of them, I completed scripting 'Anntaraal' which I Edited, Directed, filmed, dubbed at a home studio, foley, promotion and what not. Truly Independent ! Anntaraal helped me sail through the waiting period and the rejections of BUN MASKA. It is for a NICHE audience ! Parsi stories don't work ! Currently, this is not what we are looking for !
It can make a great book !
Make it by yourself and sell it to an OTT PLATFORM !
were some of the RESPONSES.
Just when Anntaraal released, the Pandemic happened and then each one of us knows what ensued.
I wasn't going to give up on Bun Maska -
But one thing became clear, If the guys with money bags aren't going to choose to tell Parsi Stories than someone will have to.
WHY NOT ME!
I started my podcast Bun Maska Untold Parsi Stories on anchor.fm with that intention.
First season - The Path, my blog adapted for Podcast.
Season 2 is the original Screenplay of the feature film Bun Maska, which got rejected by Netflix, MX Player, Excel Entertainment, RSVP, and Boman Irani, who I was very keen to cast for the titular role. I won't deny the disappointment that lingered each time the rejection came. But in dealing with these different entities, from the same business of Film Making, I learnt to Write A TWO PAGE SYNOPSIS A 30 PAGE SYNOPSIS A STORY BIBLE and all sorts of things because writing a complete Screenplay with Dialogues wasn't enough. I can't deny this either, I loved it. The entire process of telling the same story to different entities in ways they summoned. Also I became a member of SWA.
Bun Maska Season two, is this same rejected Story idea, now adapted for PODCAST written edited directed performed by me in my home studio. Produced by my flagship banner THE NON-CONFORMING PARSI. If it's a story for the Niche audience then be it.
I leave it to the decision makers YOU THE AUDIENCE to take that call.
It's time we don't just talk about DEMOCRATIZING CONTENT we create and accept it.
Love THE NON-CONFORMING PARSI Nozzer Pardiwala With so much happening around, the pain, the loss, the anguish, the panic, the uncertainty - I felt it wouldn't be the right time to share the Podcast but -
Yeh Pal hi toh hai Zindagi Toh Jeele, jee bharke Aane wala pal Haseen ho shayaad isse bhi Par dekha kaha kissine.
Listen to all six episodes here
Watch the trailer on YOUTUBE
If the podcast adds to your life - a little bit of hope, a little bit of happiness please write to me at nozzer.p@gmail.com or simply share it with someone who you think can do with a little smile. Be Home -Be Safe
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