She has received numerous honours for her work and dedication in bringing so- cial issues to light through her films. In an exclusive conversation with Tycoon Global Magazine, Eram Faridi discusses her experience and next initiatives.
Q: You have achieved some extraordinary milestones; how did your journey as a producer begin?
I have a personality that knows how to fight her problems. From a young age, I’ve learnt a lot of lessons and been through betrayals, rough patches and much more, but I always got through my way. Hailing from Kanpur, it was not easy for me to settle up here in Mumbai and become a producer/Actor, but I had to fight to reach mygoals and become a well- known producer.
Q: When did you first think about becoming a producer? Did you plan any alternatives?
I have always wanted to start my career in Media & Entertainment. And still, remember I first came to Mumbai on 1st January 2016. I still remember this date because this was the day I started to dream about my future. Mumbai is known to be the ‘CITY OF DREAMS’, so I had that trust and belief in me that I can do this and I will do it. In the end, self-confidence is what matters the most. My main motto is, to never give up come what may. I love to learn about different things from people of different ages.
I have done acting, but I feel that making movies and becoming a producer was always in my interest. Starting a production house, and being a producer brings a lot of respect to my career. Mr Faizali Wagle recommended I start my own production house, and during that period of 2016, there wasn’t much demand for producers. People were not much aware of it but know in today’s time this is a vast spreading industry. Many young, motivated ladies have entered this field which is a great and tough competition for me, which again makes me believe that my decision was absolutely right. I also have an alternative, though Erams Entertainment is like my baby, I also own another firm known as Rabiya International Pvt Ltd, where we work for GCC and provide business solutions. I have also worked for many other companies because you never know what the future has for you, so I am prepared for everything.
Q: As a receiver of the “Shakti Ratna Puraskar”, what are you doing to improve the situation of women in society?
It was a proud moment to receive “Shakti Ratna Puraskar”. I was awarded for Social Activist and good deeds towards the society. I have a lot of thoughts and ideas in my mind about this situation, and have always believed in fulfilling my duties no matter what; I will never back off. I have taken many initiatives for the society like ‘I Sign Signature Initiative Program’, ‘Women Health and Safety Initiative Program’, ‘Acid Victim Survival Initiative Program’, ‘Mental Health Awareness Initiative Program’, ‘Old Age Care Initiative Program’ and am coming up with the sixth initiative program which is related to Cyber Crime. This is my dedication to society, and I want to work more toward the betterment of society and spread awareness.
Q: You are actively involved in giving back to society; when and how did it start?
I have done a lot of initiatives before and will keep doing more. As told previously, my sixth initiative is about Cyber Crime. I have always believed in creativity and doing good for a better tomorrow. I am known as a social activist, and it brings me inner peace and happiness when my work brings a smile to others’ faces. I support equality, am a firm believer in humanity and will always keep helping everyone.
Q: You have been the winner of “Iconic Bollywood Producer”. How was your experience? What was the achievement behind that award?
I was awarded by, the honourable Governor of Maharashtra Shri. Bhagat Singh Koshyari. It was 7th March 2022, the auspicious day of Women’s day, there were many other strong personalities like Swara Bhaskar, Huma Qureshi, and many more known celebrities. Around 35 women were being awarded, and I was one of them, which was an honour for me. Mid-Day had approached me for this award, and the governor also retweeted me which is a very proud moment for me. My films are the main thing I am known for; ‘Rising Star’ which is about a small girl who collects garbage and her struggle story; ‘Shringar’ which is about the struggles of a lady who tries to please her husband by getting ready or the selling herself to the society due to various issues. ‘Meet Mr Chang’ is about racism, this is going to be our big comeback because this film has a topic which is very important and needs to be resolved in our society. There’s one more upcoming movie ‘Fedora’s Wrinkle’, which is a start of an old lady and the rest stays in suspense, this is also related to a social topic. The award was the biggest achievement and I will remember it my whole life.
Q: We are talking to the winner of “The Global Fame Awards 2022.” You received this award by Neha Dupia for “Meet Mr Chang” so how do you feel about it?
As you know I am from Kanpur, meeting such prominent personalities as Neha Dupia has always been a dream, and here I was being awarded by her. This was a prestigious moment for me and my movie. Neha Dhupia is such a strong and inspirational personality, it makes me happy to be awarded by her. On stage, she praised me and my movie, Mr Chang, a lot which itself was a motivation for me. She loved the topic and cause of our movie, which is very important in today’s generation. Our movie will soon be released on the OTT platform, and people all over the world will be able to watch this film. I want them to take along the message of Anti- racism. It’s our first international film, and we are very proud of this. I would like to thank everyone who nominated us and supported us for the film.
Q: On your journey to be a producer, what challenges did you face? What kept you motivated?
Being an actress is a big thing, but being a producer comes along with an equal lot of struggles and responsibilities. Today, if I am a successful producer, it’s because I have a supportive and strong team. My team members Creative Producer Faizali Wagle, and Associate Producer Juned Shaiikh, he has always been with me through thick and thin in all these social initiatives I have done. Juned Shaiikh was the one standing right beside me, always motivating me, and guiding me. My Mother, Sultana Parveen and my sister Amrin Faridi have always been my backbone, without them I would not be able to reach where I am now. A Producer has multiple responsibilities like casting the film, shooting, coordinating with everyone and looking after everything. I never choose to give up, and I will continue fulfilling my duties and responsibilities. My close ones have always been my support system, be it my mother, sister, or team members; I would like to thank everyone for their motivation and support. Also, I want to say; that I don’t want to fall or stop, I want to rise high and make myself proud. And being the producer of Erams Entertainment I would like to thank Tycoon Magazine and Sanjeev Jain, who published my article in their magazine. It’s an honour for my team and me to be a part of this moment.