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Ronald Hussain is a director and actor from Assam who has worked in many dramas and films throughout his career, such as Kaneen and Anur. In addition, he has also been involved with several Hindi films as a casting director. Recently, Enigmatic Horizon had a conversation with him regarding his career and the struggles faced by the Assamese industry. Let’s take a look.
EH: What inspired you to pursue a career in cinema?
RH: I have had a passion for drama since an early age. During the Assam Natya Sanmilan event hosted at Mariani, I was directing a drama when I noticed some people with cameras at Gibon National Park. They were scouting locations for the movie Barsharanya, directed by Diganta Mazumdar. I offered them assistance during their shoot in Mariani, my hometown, and they agreed. I was then offered a chance to assist in the direction of the film. Although I felt nervous as I had no prior experience in movies, Diganta Mazumdar saw potential in me. Thus, Barsharanya became my first foray into filmmaking.
EH: Is there anyone in the film or drama industry whom you consider your guru or role model? If so, why?
RH: I never anticipated a career in movies or dramas. It happened unexpectedly. While residing in Jorhat Town, I encountered the Nababikash Sangha, a local cultural organization. One day, I went there to watch a drama, and a person approached me and offered me a role in the play. I took on the role, and that person, Paban Phukan, later became my first mentor. Throughout my career, I owe my achievements to my second mentor, Rafikul Hussain, a director, poet, and scriptwriter from Bokakhat.
EH: You have also worked in Bollywood. How did you become involved with Bollywood?
RH: I haven’t worked as an actor, director, or assistant director in Bollywood, but I have been involved through my casting agency. I have facilitated casting for Assamese movies such as Kaneen, Bhonga Khiriki, Aamish, Emuthi Puthi, Anur, and more. In Mumbai, I have cast North Eastern actors for various projects, including Arghadeep Baruah in a Google ad, as well as for Lenovo, WhatsApp, bank commercials, and companies such as Amul. Bollywood generally contacts me when they require actors with Mongoloid facial features. I have also been involved in casting for films, the latest being Sem Bahadur, starring Vicky Kaushal and directed by Meghna Gulzar. Notable actors I have cast include Manoj Borkotoky, Kenny Basumatary, and Kaushik Bharadwaj. I have also cast actors for the remake of Chote Miya Bade Miya, which stars Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff.
EH: Could you share a memorable or challenging experience you’ve encountered as a drama director or actor and how you overcame it?
RH: I have not faced many challenges in terms of drama. However, recently, I have faced challenges while directing a television series, which is a completely new experience for me. The series is titled Kahua Bonor Chaa for Rang Channel. Initially, everything went smoothly, but unfortunately, the father of the female lead passed away during the early days of shooting. Subsequently, she had exams, followed by severe illness. Despite the impending telecast, we have yet to complete proper shooting, editing, dubbing, background music, and other post-production tasks. This can be considered one of the biggest challenges I have faced.
EH: Do you think the rise of OTT platforms has diminished interest in drama?
RH: The advent of OTT platforms, the Internet, and technology has indeed resulted in a decrease in the number of viewers in cinema halls and theaters. This trend has led to a lack of confidence among filmmakers. However, if filmmakers can consistently deliver high-quality content, people will always visit cinema halls.
EH: How do you balance your creative vision with the constraints of budget and resources?
RH: In the Assamese film industry, we often face budget constraints. We predominantly work on art movies, which don’t have extravagant budgets. Right from the scriptwriting phase on we remain conscious of the budget limitations. However, I am hopeful that our Assamese film industry will witness better days in the future, enabling us to provide high-quality content to the audience. Recently, we have seen that the film Sri Raghupati has earned a lot of box office success, and it is getting hard to even book a seat at the theaters.
EH: Recently, the Indian movie RRR received international fame and recognition and also won an Oscar. How do you feel about this? Are you hopeful that an Assamese movie will win an Oscar or a Golden Globe?
RH: Absolutely! Assam has a pool of talented individuals. We have seen amazing Indian movies like Mother India, Salaam Bombay, and Lagaan represent our country on the international stage. And this year, it is indeed a source of pride for India that our film has won an Oscar for the first time. Talking about Assam, we have Rima Das’s Village Rockstars, which was selected as India’s entry for the Oscars. It signifies the beginning of the rise of Assamese cinema, and I firmly believe that in the coming years, we might see an Assamese movie grab an Oscar.
EH: Could you tell us about some of your upcoming projects?
RH: Certainly! We have a significant project in the pipeline—a biopic based on a legend from Assam. While I cannot disclose too many details at this stage, we are also working on a TV serial, and a few more movies are in the works.
EH: What message would you like to convey to aspiring actors and directors?
RH: My message to aspiring actors and directors is to pursue their dreams with the utmost passion and confidence. Believe in your abilities and give your best in everything you do. Success will follow when you combine your talent with dedication and hard work.
EH: Thank you for your time and insights, and we wish you continued success in your endeavors.
RH: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure sharing my experiences. I appreciate the opportunity, and I hope to contribute further to the growth of the film industry.
