Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari: He needs to be seen on screen more often

Pavail Gulati and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari has found her leading man for Faadu in Pavail Gulati. The actor, who shared screen space with Taapsee Pannu in Thappad, frontlines Tiwari's debut web project, an intense poetic love-story between two different-thinking characters.

Talking about why Gulati fits the bill, Tiwari says, "He is a director's actor. He is mindful and respectful of his co-actors and technicians. Sometimes, even before I have asked for a scene to be cut, and as I walk towards him to ask him for another take, he already knows what is needed. We were shooting in unexpected circumstances amid a pandemic, and [his presence] made me realise the importance of understanding actors who become clappers, sometimes even costume assistants, because I had few hands on set. He understands the why and what of storytelling and does not have any hangups. He makes himself part of the process, and participates in healthy arguments and conversations, I like the way he understands camera-work, and that makes a lot of difference."

While Tiwari has always presented promising talent like Gippi Grewal in Panga (2020), and the fine ensemble in Nil Battey Sannata (2015), she wanted to have a fresh pairing with Gulati and Saiyami Kher. "I am grateful that my characters decide the actors. They blend in so well that I cannot think of anyone else for the part. Pavail has a certain intensity. This character is unexplored. Since he was able to understand the nuances and become one with the role, I was eager to cast him. This is not the end [of our association], though. Fabulous actors need to be seen more often on screen. He brings a lot of happiness on set," adds the filmmaker.