Meet the Indian-origin Nigerian director who’s on a mission to bridge the gap between Nollywood and Bollywood

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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After running hotels for seven years, Hamisha Daryani Ahuja realised that despite being happy and successful, this was not her true calling. “While I was running these restaurants, I was also conducting self-development workshops. The ethos of these workshops was to follow your dreams; you only live once while also enjoying the moment,” she tells CNBC-TV18. This introspection led her to ponder her own big dream, prompting her to take the leap into filmmaking.

Her debut film, ‘Namaste Wahala’ is a testament to her cross-cultural vision. As a third-generation Indian in Nigeria, Ahuja recognised the strong influence of Bollywood on Nollywood. She saw the potential for collaboration between the two industries and decided to bridge the gap. “Indian content is very welcomed here,” she stated. “But the question was, how come the two never come together?”

‘Namaste Wahala’ became Ahuja’s answer to that question—a slapstick comedy rom-com that seamlessly blends Indian and Nigerian cultures. Initially intended for a cinema release in Nigeria, fate had other plans when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. However, Netflix’s acquisition of the film turned it into a global sensation, making history in its own right.

As the CEO of Forever 7 Entertainment, Hamisha’s directorial debut became the first Nollywood film to enter the top 10 list of Netflix US, UK, Canada, India and Nigeria.

One of the striking aspects of ‘Namaste Wahala’ is its portrayal of strong female characters while staying true to the textbook definition of a Bollywood rom-com. Ahuja emphasised her commitment to women empowerment, ensuring that the protagonist, while facing traditional patriarchal challenges, ultimately triumphs with independence and strength. She credits her inspiration to filmmaker Mira Nair and actress Priyanka Chopra, who have paved the way for diverse and empowering storytelling and a path for women in cinema in general.

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Ahuja’s second directorial venture, Postcards, dropped on Netflix on Friday, May 3. It narrates the tale of a Nigerian single mother travelling to India for a medical checkup.

Ahuja’s directing style reflects her background in conducting self-development workshops. She focuses on bringing out the authenticity of her actors, allowing them to embody their characters rather than moulding them into someone else.

For Ahuja, motherhood has been a catalyst for success rather than a hindrance. “The more you have to do, the more you can do,” she remarked. She believes that being busy enhances her focus and drive, making her more intentional both in her professional and personal life.

Looking ahead, Ahuja has a list of actors she dreams of working with, from Nigerian A-listers to Bollywood legends. However, she ecstatically states that most of the Nigerian actors she wanted to work with are already part of Postcards. Her goal is to continue creating films that celebrate cultural diversity and empower women.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow