Slumdog Millionaire is shaping up to be 2008’s Little Miss Sunshine-the independant flick that has won over critics and audiences across the country and just scored 4 Golden Globe Nominations! I was THRILLED when I found out that a friend knew someone who was involved in the film. I had a chance to interview Sonia, the 2nd, 2nd Assistant Director on Slumdog Millioaire via email. She was gracious enough to take time out of her hectic schedule..so here goes and when you’re done, watch Dev Patel get grilled Letterman-style (or rewatch).
Me: Slumdog Millionaire is based on the book, Q & A by Vikas Swarup. Had you read the book prior to joining the team? How did you become involved with the film?
Sonia: No. I had not read Q & A although I knew that the film was based on the book. I had fallen in love with the script! And I personally wanted to avoid comparisons between the two of any kind; especially as we were just about to start shooting the film. Maybe I will read the book now!
I was aware about the fact that Danny Boyle was going to be in India to shoot his next film although I did not have any leads to the production house involved. Danny had been one of my favourite film makers ever since I watched Trainspotting. I had also watched all of his other films, ‘Millions’, being one of my favourites too. This was ‘a once in a lifetime’ opportunity for me so I started my pursuit. I finally somehow managed to get in touch with the First AD & the Line Producer of the film. I was lucky to be hired within a week of my interviews.
Me: According to Wikipedia, the Second Second Assistant Director “deals with the increased workload of a large or complicated production. For example, a production with a large number of cast may require the division of the aspects of backstage manager and the call sheet production work to two separate people.”
As 2nd 2nd AD and also for all the film making newbies out there, can you elaborate? What were some of your responsibilities? What’s a day in the life of a 2nd 2nd AD like?
Sonia: As a second second AD, your main responsibility is towards the cast of the film. At the pre-production stage, a 2nd 2nd AD is involved with actor dates & scheduling therefore, working in close co-ordination with the wardrobe department & the hair & makeup department. In short, anything & everything that requires any sort of actor related information.
On shoot, processing the actor, & making sure that they are a 100% ready with their hair- makeup & wardrobe at shoot call is a key responsibility. The information required with regards to this is also coordinated by the 2nd 2nd AD to help with callsheets.
Also, specifically in the case of Slumdog, three of our leads were kids. They of course needed special attention always, and I helped them rehearse whenever they needed to. 2 out of these three kids, were real slum kids and did not understand English. I would also function as a translator between Danny & the kids.
And to add to all of this, I’d also like to say that a good 2nd 2nd makes sure his/her actor is always comfortable & happy so that the shoot is carried forward smoothly.
Me: I read that Dev Patel went through a three month training period to help him really get into the skin of a kid from Dharavi. He spent time with two kids from the slums learning their characteristics, expressions etc. Were you part of that process?
Sonia: No. I was not a part of that process.
Me: The film has so many joyous, touching and downright tear inducing moments. I imagine it must have been just as intense on set.
Sonia: Yes. Infact, for me, there were so many times, that a certain performance by an actor gave me goose-bumps. All the cast was truly fantastic & Danny knows exactly ‘how’ to drive an actor’s performance. Shooting was a lot of fun!
Me: Speaking of intense, the music with a score led by A. R Rahman captures the everyday intensity and boldness of Mumbai. What’s your favorite song in the film. (The soundtrack is releasing 12/23). I’m partial to M.I.A’s paper plane..
Sonia: Me too!! I love it!!!
Me: Not only does Slumdog seem to be an audience favorite (it got a standing ovation at Toronto Film festival), but it’s on the critics’ list as well. It recently won 3 BIFAS and there’s some blogosphere buzz about potential oscar nominations. Thoughts?
Sonia: I was ecstatic when I was informed about the Toronto film festival, and soon after that, Indian newspapers had many an article about how great the film is & various reviews about the actors, audience responses etc. Recently, I also heard about the 3 BIFAS and more than anything, I’m absolutely thrilled about Dev Patel winning his first award! He is simply amazing & extremely dedicated & talented! And as for the Oscars, I have my fingers crossed. I wish! I wish! I really wish!
Me: Do you have any particular memorable moments or stories about the actors or Danny Boyle during shooting that you can share?
Sonia: So many!! The youngest lot playing the three leads was extremely adorable but very naughty. They would group-up and get Danny to stop all work and play this game with them- I don’t know what to call it, but it involves trying to hit the opponents hand really hard. It was so much fun to just watch these three play with Danny. And sometimes, they would ask me to translate a Hindi sentence for them & they would go up to Danny ‘uncle’ as he was fondly called, & say something really cute to him in English.
Ayush & Azhar (the youngest Jamal & Salim respectively) did some super stunts all by themselves. They were so confident & unafraid; that was amazing too! Besides that, I also had a lot of fun rehearsing & then shooting for the dance sequence at the end with Dev & Frieda at VT station.
And about Danny, he was always wonderful & very warm. He had nice things to say to everyone & he had a smile on his face whenever he was with the kids. He was very patient with all his actors & I know everyone will agree with me when I say that it’s truly been an honour to have shared the same space with him. I will always remember all the moments that I’ve had to translate back & forth between the kids & Danny. Although I must say, Danny picked up a bit of hindi too. He had learnt to say ‘jaldi!’ (which translates to ‘hurry’).
My most precious procession today is a huge poster of Trainspotting that Danny happily signed for me & it hangs right at the centre of my bright red wall!
Me: If you could change one of Jamal’s trivia questions, which one would it be?
Sonia: I don’t think I would do that. These questions are the catalyst & tell Jamal’s story. All of them fit perfectly.
Sonia: Trust me, you’re not the only one! J
Me: What’s next for you?
Sonia: Just looking forward to the Ghajini release & the Indian release for Slumdog Millionaire. The rest is un-decided as always!
Dev Does Dave:
What's The Gupshup 