In conversation with Michelin Chef and Filmmaker on his new film 'The Last Color'

Michelin Star Chef, Vikas Khanna has just come out with his new the film The Last Color, a story of empowerment and friendship. Nine-year-old flower seller and tightrope walker Chhoti (Aqsa Siddiqui) befriends Noor (Neena Gupta), a 70-year-old widow living a colorless life of abstinence. Both outcasts yet vastly different people, Chhoti and Noor touch each other’s lives in profound ways. Chhoti promises hope to Noor as this poignant story of love, friendship, commitment and victory of the human spirit unfolds on the banks of River Ganges.

I found one dialogue in the film compelling" Rise to such heights that they can't touch you" is what Chhoti hears when she is young. That seems the recurring theme of the film? Can you share how these sentiments shaped your thinking ?

It was Grandma who used to tell me all the time. I was a slow learner and due to clubfeet had an awkward walk. Every time I came back home injured or bruised or sad, she would tell me these stories of eclipse and riding higher than everyone. 

You wrote the book much earlier than the film. Did you notice any change in the social structure since that time?

Yes, I did see a lot of change in the confidence and respect of the people towards these widows. Its an ancient society, change takes time like everywhere else. But change is a must and mandatory. 

Can you share anything in the production process about how you chose to shoot the film ?  It is very honest and bold yet simple.

It is just an amazing feeling when you accomplish a single shot in a day exactly the way you envisioned. But, it’s very much like cooking or managing a Michelin Star kitchen. 

You prepare and plan and then you leave it to God. There are so many parameters constantly changing from light to crowds. 

Keeping it as real as possible as much as it was in my observation and memory. 

What is harder - Being a celebrity chef or a Filmmaker? What challenges did you face?

Making a movie has its benefits and running a Kitchen has its. Once you put something in the movie, it’s there forever. But in restaurants you can change and rectify the dish. But both require tremendous amount of preparation and instant execution. As an untrained filmmaker I used all my kitchen management skills to work. The greatest challenge is a teamwork, locations, sounds, managing crowds and most honestly trying to keep it real. 

Finally what do you want viewers to take away from the Film?

As humans, we have a very short lived or selective memory. With THE LAST COLOR I wanted to end a dark era so that we know not to step back in a dark part of history. I wanted to stress on the pain of non-inclusivity and a voice that can be gained by education.

 The Last color

Written and Directed By: Vikas Khanna 

Producers: Bindu Khanna, Poonam Kaul, Jitendra Mishra, and Jay Shetty 

Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9VQsr6XQ50

Starring: Neena Gupta, Aqsa Siddiqui, Rudrani Chhetri, Rajeshwar Khanna

Synopsis: The Last Color is a story of empowerment and friendship. Nine-year-old flower seller and tightrope walker Chhoti (Aqsa Siddiqui) befriends Noor (Neena Gupta), a 70-year-old widow living a colorless life of abstinence. Both outcasts yet vastly different people, Chhoti and Noor touch each other’s lives in profound ways. Chhoti promises hope to Noor as this poignant story of love, friendship, commitment and victory of the human spirit unfolds on the banks of River Ganges.

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