Power Women Swati Semwal, Tanuja Chandra, Juhi Chaturvedi And Ishani Banerjee Launch Writer's Lounge In Mumbai!

By- Shweta Parande

Bollywood filmmakers and writers are known to head to exotic locations or simply to New York to be able to be alone and devote time to writing. One needs solitude and peace of mind while writing, something not possible in the midst of the daily grind in Mumbai. So what do the writers who cannot afford to spend money on travel for their writing quirks do? First Step Entertainment Capital has come out with just the space for new writers in the film, television and web series space. The production house launched Writer's Lounge, a space in the heart of Bollywood - Mumbai's Yari Road in Andheri West.

Writer's Lounge, the entry to which is FREE of charge, will serve as a place for writers to sit comfortably and type out their creativity in peace. Coffee is on the house and conversations are free. The only pre-requisite is that one has to be a member of the Screenwriters Association (SWA) of the film industry. The Writer's Lounge welcomes both men and women, but is keen on encouraging women writers and providing a platform for producing short films, web series and feature films. In an interaction with the press about Writer's Lounge at Bora Bora in Bandra West, award-winning Bollywood female writers and directors such as Tanuja Chandra, Juhi Chaturvedi and Ishani Banerji were present.

Swati Semwal, a writer-director who has acted in television shows, and films like Bareilly Ki Barfi and Manikarnika, is the Creative Head of First Step Entertainment Capital and spearheads the Writer's Lounge. She said about Writer's Lounge, "The idea to start the space actually came to my mind while trying to meet my own needs of finding a suitable space to write. I came from Dehradun to Mumbai and soon realized that there was a need for a common place, where writers could collect, sit, write, exchange and bounce-off ideas amongst each other. This space should become the destination for production houses to come looking for budding writers with fresh ideas. We are helping them feel the ownership of their space. We hope Writer’s Lounge becomes a haven for all aspiring writers.”

Chandra, of movies like Dushman, Sangharsh, Sur, Zakhm and Qarib Qarib Singlle, said, "Since the time we were young, we were highly encouraged to read and write and to be creative. Despite being into creative arts, it took me a while to write my first book because I found it very intimidating, since every word counts and affects the impact of the story. When I ventured into script writing and direction, Bollywood was largely a male dominated industry. I managed to make a mark. Today, as I see myself standing with my fellow writers, all women, I must say women have always had to move against the tide and they have come up as winners. I believe if you have talented and motivated people, they should be encouraged to work in a peaceful arena where creativity or efficiency is the highest priority. Here’s wishing Writer’s Lounge the very best to be a successful destination for writers."

When we asked if the lounge was only for female writers, the answer was that it is for all, but that women writers and directors need to increase in number in India. A discussion followed on whether women directors and writers have a different perspective to tell a certain kind of story. While Semwal was of the opinion that only a female writer could have written the Deepika Padukone-Amitabh Bachchan starrer, Piku, by Juhi Chaturvedi, the writer herself felt that it is not so, for she has written Vicky Donor which is a film based on sperm donation. Chandra also felt that a creative person cannot be a male or female but just a writer although there can be a different way of looking at stories, and so women should be encouraged to write.

Imran Ashraf, Founder, First Step Entertainment Capita, said, "First Step is an incubator of content and creative talent with a goal to discover and nurture fresh talent of film makers and writers. We believe in good storytelling, because content is the king. The mission of First Step Entertainment is to tell stories with social impact, have thought leadership in content, make films fast and give writers of all ages who have innovative ideas and concepts an opportunity to make a film."

Ashraf also revealed that on their YouTube channel Net Pix Shorts, for a particular film there were a large number of women viewers and that the target group is increasing. The company aims to produce more women-oriented films and welcomes ideas.

Writer’s Lounge is located at Z A Tower, Yari Road, Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai. It is better to call and book your slot. In future, the place will also have workshops by senior writers. Drop in for a cuppa with your ideas, and your laptop or pen and diary.