I started out as an AD to Pradeep Sarkar: Sonal Sehgal

Sonal Sehgal was recently in New York, learning the craft of filmmaking at a film school there. She spoke to CS about her experience:

Filmi fundas
I've always been in love with films, whether it's acting or working behind the camera, which is where I started. Not many people know this, but I started out as an assistant to director Pradeep Sarkar. I have this hunger to learn, and last year, I felt like taking a sabbatical from acting and going back to school.

Classroom tales
After being caught in the rigmarole of working for so many years, it was so much fun being a student again! I was a little unsure at first, because it was a very grueling programme. Classes from 9 am to 8.30 pm everyday! I wasn't even sure if I could any longer sit through a lecture of two and a half hours! But once into it, I loved every minute. It was a very hands-on programme. They teach you everything right from loading film into a film camera, to lighting, to scripting, direction and editing your own film.

Student life
Life was hard as a student. I had to shop for my groceries, cook, do my own laundry, clean my own house. New York is an expensive city and you don't get house help easily like India. Plus, I had made a pact with myself - if I go to a film school, I will truly live like a student again!u00a0