This is how Anu Malhotra changed lives and minds with Insightful Documentaries

Anu Malhotra is one of India's top filmmakers (Director, Producer & Screen Writer), with a large body of work spanning two decades and 15 National and 2 International awards to her credit. But for Anu, filmmaking is not just a profession, it is a passion with a cause - to create meaningful and uplifting television content.
Over the past decades, Anu has transformed the lives and minds of people across India and the world, through her insightful documentaries, trend setting television programming and revolutionary awareness campaigns, that are a tribute to India and her infinite diversity.

 In 1994, Anu set up AIM Television as a boutique production house and went on to create over 600 hours of quality non-fiction television programming, for premiere Indian television channels (Zee TV, Sony and DD) and a range of infotainment series for reputed international channels (BBC, Discovery, Travel Channel U.K., France 5 et al.) AIM Television’s global appeal was garnered with high-quality shows such as Tribal Wisdom, Yatra- Indian Travels and Holistic Healing, that were aired internationally (Discovery, Travel Channel UK, France 5, et.al.)

Can you tell us about some of your award winning projects? 

1. THE MAHARAJA OF JODHPUR 
This one is a multiple award winning mega docu-feature. For this film I was able to gain unique access to the erstwhile royal family of Jodhpur that was previously protected from public scrutiny. With exclusive footage of and interviews with many of the family members, and in particular His Highness The Maharaja Gaj Singh II, we told the story of “the boy who-would-be-king” enthroned at age 4 and his trials and tribulations over the tumultuous years of historical change. The Maharaja’s quest to reinvent his role and relevance in the democratic landscape of the Republic of India is conveyed so comprehensively, that this film became a cornerstone of positive change in the attitude of the people towards the dwindling significance of royal states.
  
2. SHAMANS OF THE HIMALAYAS
After the unequivocal success of ‘The Maharaja of Jodhpur,’ we returned with ‘Shamans of the Himalayas,’ a spellbinding documentary that delves into the mystical world of the Shamans of Himachal Pradesh. This film takes you to the unexplored world of ritual and myth of the Kullu Valley, popularly called- Devbhoomi-the “Land of Gods”. She goes into the heart of this valley seeking to understand its culture through the ‘Shamans’ or “Gurs”- the mystical men, who are the key conduits between the myriad gods of the valley and its people. 

What plans do you have for the future, professionally?
I now work in 5 different areas:

1.       Documentary
2.       Painting
3.       Photography
4.       Writing
5.       Feature Film
 
In 2016, I am beginning another docu series, “Shamans of South India”, a book on the “Shamans of the Himalayas”, a solo art show in Mumbai at Art n Soul, a photography exhibition at the Habitat Centre, New Delhi and finishing 2 feature film scripts that I am working on currently.
 
How / Why did you opt for a career in Film Making?
I began my career in advertising, so television was a natural progression. At the time that I set up my company, AIM Television in 1994, the television industry was at its nascent stage and therefore it was very exciting.

Do you feel there is a healthy platform for short films and documentaries in India? Can you share your thoughts on this?
Definitely not!  Unfortunately, there is a complete paucity of funding and interest in these formats. Very few people have the money and passion to put into short films and documentaries as there is no return on investment.
 
What is a typical day at work like for you?
 It depends on which project I am working on. Therefore, it is quite varied but I do not make it hectic because I also like to enjoy my life!
 
Can you leave our readers with a few thoughts.  
1.       Only work on what you enjoy. If you enjoy your work, it keeps you feeling alive.
2.       Maintain a balance between work and personal life. Never ignore your health and well being.
3.       Follow your passion and dream big.
4.       Be positive and focus only on the positives in your life.
5.       Be a giver not just a taker. Make your life about others and not just yourself.
6.       Touch everyone you come across with kindness, generosity and a smile.