Actress Maninee De needs no introduction. With her grace, talent, and versatility she has captivated audience across India with her remarkable journey from the Miss India pageant to the world of television. Apart from Televison, Maninee was also part of some film such as Krrish, Fashion, Kya Mast Hai Life, Student of the Year, Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii, 7 1/2 Phere: More Than a Wedding,and more. And also in the web series Romil & Jugal, Abhay, Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala, Made in Heaven, The Jengaburu Curse, and Campus Beats. Soon she will be seen in a short film titled Raqs produced by Manbeena Sandhu, directed by Iqbaal Rizzvi. Sharing more on her role she says,”In Raqs I play a widowed single mother to a young boy who is struggling to cope with the loss of her partner. She is trying to navigate her own grief while bringing up her child, taking on the responsibilities of both a mother and a father. She is doing everything in her capacity to provide for him and be a present parent. However, as the story progresses, she finds herself caught in a vicious cycle of self-hatred and helplessness because of what happens to her child while she is out trying to provide for their future. My look is very contemporary, reflecting that of a modern, working woman.” She shares the emotional demands of the role were immense. She adds,”There is a moment when the character experiences a very deep, silent breakdown, which takes her to the point of seeking help from her therapist.”
Talking about her take on the short film format she says,”
Personally, I have always loved short-format films. I believe it takes a special skill to communicate something meaningful and impactful within a limited duration. The writing, the visual treatment and the way a story is shot make this format particularly exciting. At the same time, the process is far more challenging in terms of time, budget and scale, making the entire filmmaking experience very different. The subject of Raqs is important to humanity as a whole. It is our battle cry against one of the most heinous crimes committed against any living being, whether human or animal. It represents the complete degradation of human values and a deep-rooted sickness in society. Our endeavour is to create awareness, work towards prevention, encourage more people to join the fight, raise our collective voice, give victims a voice and send a strong warning to perpetrators.”
Maninee also shares how she has loved the working with the producer and the director of the film. She says,” It was an absolute joy working with such a talented, empathetic and capable director Iqbaal Rizzvi. His vision is simply incredible. He is an able captain who leads the team with conviction and, above all, is an amazing human being. As for our producer, Manbeena, she is not just a gifted writer but also a strong, grounded individual who sees beyond the human exterior. It was truly an honour and a pleasure to work with these two gems. I am deeply grateful to both of them for the experience.”