In a career that spans almost two decades, Actor-Director Pushkar Jog emerges as a torchbearer of distinctive and experimental filmmaking. Fueled by an unwavering commitment to content, Jog’s journey, though laden with challenges, reflects an indomitable spirit. From the bold creation of “Victoria,” currently making waves on Amazon Prime, to his latest endeavor, “Musafiraa,” marking his directorial comeback after a decade, Jog remains a relentless trailblazer.In a career spanning almost two decades, Actor-Director Pushkar Jog proudly stands as a torchbearer of distinct and experimental work. Remaining steadfast in his commitment to content, Jog’s journey, though challenging, exemplifies an unwavering spirit. From the audacious move of creating “Victoria,” currently trending on Amazon Prime is, to his latest venture “Musafiraa,” marking his return to direction after a decade, Jog continues to be a trailblazer.
The decision to direct “Musafiraa” was not impulsive; it was Jog’s concept that took root during the Covid lockdown. Amid personal losses and witnessing widespread depression, he observed the growing superficiality in relationships, especially friendships. Questioning the reliance on messaging apps for expressions, Jog decided to delve into this theme.
Approaching several directors for “Musafiraa” initially, Jog found their approaches lacking the creative spark he sought. Clarifying his stance, Jog states, “I am not demeaning or disrespecting anyone; it’s about how my creativity functions. I envisioned the film distinctly, and thus, I chose to direct it myself. It wasn’t driven by a desire for direction.”
Starring Pushkaraj Chirputkar, Pooja Sawant, Smruti Sinha, and Disha Pardeshi, “Musafiraa” explores the depth of friendships. Nervous about returning to direction, Jog believes the film’s contemporary and urban narrative will resonate with the evolved Marathi audience amid the vast landscape of global cinema and OTT content.
Filmed in the UK and Scotland, “Musafiraa” claims the unique distinction of being the only Indian film shot in the Isles of Sky. Sharing insights on shooting abroad, Jog dismisses assumptions about subsidies, emphasizing his genuine admiration for the work culture and ethics in the UK. Reflecting on the professionalism he encountered, Jog recalls an incident during the shoot of “Uff it’s too much,” highlighting the necessity for such dedication on a set.
Smoother permissions and paperwork abroad contribute to a stress-free shooting schedule. Jog appreciates the lack of interruptions during shoots and contrasts it with the numerous obstacles faced back home despite proper permissions.
Working with a minimal crew abroad (25-30 people), Jog observes the collaborative and adjusting atmosphere when not on home ground. His conviction is that everyone prioritizes quality, creating a win-win situation for the project’s production costs.
Jog’s six-year-old daughter, Felisha, recently watched “Baap Maanus.” Expressing her jealousy over affectionate scenes with another child on screen, she candidly shared her opinions. For Jog, these small gestures matter, reinforcing his commitment to creating content that will make his daughter proud. Despite feeling guilty about the time spent away from family, Jog ensures dedicated moments, such as a memorable trip to Hong Kong Disneyland.
Jog acknowledges the pivotal role played by Anand Pandit in his career. Despite not knowing Jog personally, Pandit trusted him based on his honesty and integrity. The mentorship not only changed Jog’s life but also became a testament to ethical filmmaking and trustworthy collaborations.
As a career that started in childhood continues to grow exponentially, Jog, despite the industry’s emphasis on box office metrics, feels the need to keep moving forward. With the belief that success will follow good content, Jog is optimistic about an exciting future, manifesting something significant in the horizon.
Jog hints at an impending project and anticipates something substantial on his horizon. With the upcoming Hindi film “Coke” and preparations for “Zabardast 2,” Jog aims to offer Marathi audiences an experience comparable to what Marvel has achieved in Hollywood.
(This article first appeared as the cover story on Culture Canvas)
