Directing a film was a different high: Vikram Phadnis

Fashion designer Vikram Phadnis, who ventured into filmmaking last year with the Marathi film "Hrudayantar", says directing a film was a "life-changing experience" for him and that it gave him a "different high".

The film, featuring Hrithik Roshan in a cameo, revolves around a couple going through a rough patch and how they mend their relationship after a traumatic incident in their family.

On his first experience behind the camera, Phadnis told IANS: "'Hrudyantar' was a life-changing experience for me. I only wish I could turn back the clock and I wish I had done this years ago. Directing a film was a different high altogether.

"I was the captain of the ship and there was a huge responsibility riding on my shoulders. It was the most beautiful and enriching experience, and I can't wait to be on set again."

The designer is now looking forward to his next Marathi venture.

"I am starting with my next Marathi film hopefully towards the year end, and onwards and upwards I will look forward to directing a Hindi film next year," he said.

Phadnis is here for the 19th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards. He has collaborated with Myntra to showcase an all black collection at the IIFA Rocks on Friday night.

A popular designer, he has styled the likes of late veteran actress Sridevi, Sushmita Sen, Malaika Arora, Bipasha Basu and Dia Mirza.

Asked what does he enjoy doing more, he said: "It's like choosing between two children... I am equally passionate about each one. Even today when I do a fashion show, it gives me butterflies in my stomach before the show. So, I never take anything for granted and I love doing both. I can't pick one."

Talking about IIFA -- an annual celebration of Hindi cinema across the shores -- Phadnis said: "I have been with IIFA ever since its inception and I have always been connected with IIFA Rocks' fashion show segment. Every country we have been to, the IIFA gala has been so different from one another, especially because of its location, where it takes place, the kind of shows that we put together and the kind of designer line-ups we have."

(The writer's trip is at the invitation of IIFA organisers. Durga Chakravarty can be contacted at durga.c@ians.in)

--IANS

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