Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know Director Rabinder Parasher Invents ‘Rabinder Acting’ For Movies N idhi Kathuria, a senior journalist with **ITV GOLD**, spoke exclusively with filmmaker Rabi- nder Parasher about his cinematic journey, his new acting method, and his upcoming projects. Parasher has completed his third feature film, *Brilliant Idea*, shot between New Jersey and Ludhi- ana, Punjab, and has introduced a new acting style he calls Rabinder Acting. Q: Mr. Parasher, congratulations on directing your third feature film *Brilliant Idea*, and that too in New Jersey, United States!** Rabinder Parasher: Thank you so much for your wishes. Q: How did your personal journey into filmmaking begin?** Parasher: I grew up in Chandigarh, India, and I was that kid who was always reenacting movie scenes for my siblings. My father was a bank manager, and every Saturday, he would take us to the theater — thanks to my mother’s persuasion. The two films that changed my life were *Amar Akbar Anthony* and *First Blood*. After watching *First Blood* in college, I told my par- ents I wanted to be a director. They saw my passion and said, “Go ahead…we’re with you.” That support made all the difference. Q: Where did you receive your filmmaking training?** Parasher: After completing my diploma in Electrical Engineering, I moved to Mumbai, the heart of Bol- lywood, in 1997. I started as an assistant director with Mr. Mahesh Bhatt, working on *Dushman*, *Zakhm*, *Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan*, and *Sangharsh*. Later, I directed two Bollywood films — *Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai?*, produced by the famous playback singer Kumar Sanu, and *Kabab Mein Haddi*. Eventually, I moved to the U.S. and directed *Brilliant Idea*, my first American film in both Hindi and English. Q: Let’s talk about *Brilliant Idea*. You’ve invented a new acting style called ‘Rabinder Acting’. What exactly is it?** Parasher: Rabinder Acting is a performance style that feels fresh, crisp, and entertaining. I developed it while training the two lead actors, Ricky and J.S. King. Only they could commit to regular training, while the rest of the cast could spare only a couple of days per month. That was a big challenge. I discussed it with my brothers, Chander Mohan and Rajesh Prasher, who are also co-writers of the film. We decided to give the leads six months of intensive train- ing while rehearsing occasionally with the others. In the final month, we brought both groups together. What emerged was a unique blend of trained and sponta- neous performances. The result felt so distinct that I named it after myself: Rabinder Acting. Q: Fascinating. Tell us a bit about the film itself.** Parasher: *Brilliant Idea* is about two U.S.-based res- taurant owners, played by Ricky and J.S. King, who are chasing the American dream. In search of success, they seek advice from family and friends, leading to a series of comedic situations. Things get even funnier when Ricky travels to India to meet two businessman broth- ers, played by Rajesh Prasher and Chander Mohan, who run an “idea-giving” company in Ludhiana. Q: Where was the movie shot, and when will it be released?** Parasher: Most of it was filmed in New Jersey, with some scenes in Ludhiana. It’s currently in post-produc- tion and scheduled for a theatrical release this Diwali —October 2025. Q: The title song features Kumar Sanu. That’s a big name!** Parasher: Yes, and we’re honored! Kumar Sanu gave me my first break as a director with *Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai?*. Whatever I am today is because of him. That’s why I’ve made it a rule — he must sing at least one song in every film I direct. Q: What upcoming projects are you excited about?** Parasher: We’re working on a feature film titled *Banar- asi Corner*. We completed its test shoot in May 2025, and it’s now in pre-production. We plan to begin filming right after the release of *Brilliant Idea*. Q: Will you be using the ‘Rabinder Acting’ style in this film as well?** Parasher: Yes, absolutely. I’ll be applying the same technique in *Banarasi Corner* too. Q: Fantastic. We’re looking forward to seeing ‘Rabinder Act- ing’ come alive in *Brilliant Idea* this Diwali. All the best!** Parasher: Thank you so much for your wonderful wishes! By Nidhi Kathuria PHOTO: ITV GOLD PHOTO: ITV GOLD Director Rabinder Parasher with the cast and crew on the set of *Brilliant Idea’. Nidhi Kathuria, a senior journalist with ITV GOLD, spoke exclusively with filmmaker Rabinder Parasher. 5 CITY VIEWS September 12, 2025