Jolly
Joker

Production Designer

Jolly Joker took me to parts of Uttarakhand I had never been to before, including Satoli, Jhaltola, and Munsiyari. Just getting to experience these places and spend time there made the project special. This was one of the most hands on projects I've worked on. I had just one assistant, someone who had also worked with me on Real Kashmir Football Club and has since become a dear friend.

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From the very beginning, one member of Manav Kaul's theatre company was assigned to our art department, and the three of us became a small but incredibly dependable team. Between us, we did everything. We painted, built, stitched, carried furniture, handled costumes, and I even ended up lending quite a bit from my own wardrobe. It was exhausting, but incredibly fulfilling because we were involved in every little detail.

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The film was made by Manav Kaul along with members of his theatre company, and they were some of the nicest people I've worked with. Spending those weeks together, both on and off set, made the experience feel incredibly warm and collaborative. The three of us worked seamlessly throughout the shoot, always ready to step in wherever we were needed. That sense of trust and shared  responsibility is something I'll always remember.

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When I look back at Jolly Joker, I don't just remember the work. I remember the people. It reminded me that some of the most rewarding projects aren't always the biggest ones, but the ones where everyone comes together with complete trust and a shared love for making something special.