An accomplished screenwriter and director, Tushar Paranjape has made significant contributions to both Marathi and Hindi cinema. With a background in engineering and a deep passion for filmmaking, he has earned recognition for his work on films like Killa and Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui.

Tushar Paranjape is an accomplished Screenwriter and Director with a rich background in the film industry.

A graduate of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, Tushar returned to his alma mater to share his expertise, teaching screenwriting as a faculty member.

Currently based in Mumbai, he continues to nurture aspiring filmmakers as a guest lecturer at FTII, contributing to the next generation of storytellers. Over the past nine years, Tushar has carved a niche for himself in the industry, including significant stints as an Assistant Director, particularly in the Marathi film industry, where he honed his craft and storytelling skills.

During his final year of engineering, Tushar Paranjape discovered a deeper connection with films and the art of filmmaking, which began to overshadow his technical pursuits. After completing his engineering degree, he worked at Infosys for a year but soon realized his true calling lay elsewhere.

Taking a bold step, he took a year off to explore the world of cinema, marking the beginning of his journey in the filmmaking industry. Tushar then enrolled at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), where he refined his craft and laid the foundation for his career. He started his professional journey as an assistant director, gaining valuable experience and insights into the art of storytelling.

Tushar Paranjape takes pride in his achievements in the film industry, which reflect his dedication and talent. One of his most notable works, Killa, a film he directed, earned the prestigious National Award for Best Feature Film, bringing him widespread recognition. Additionally, he served as the creative director for the Marathi film Picasso, which also received a National Award, further cementing his place in Indian cinema.

Tushar ventured into Hindi cinema as a screenwriter with Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, marking an exciting milestone in his career. Reflecting on his journey, he shares that working in the film industry has been an invaluable learning experience, one that he deeply cherishes. Despite facing professional challenges, Tushar feels a sense of fulfillment and happiness for persevering and carving out a successful path in the world of storytelling.

Reflecting on his childhood, Tushar Paranjape recalls often feeling a sense of loneliness and not quite fitting in, even though he had many friends. During that time, he found comfort in watching films, which became a source of solace and inspiration for him. His involvement in a local theatre group further nurtured his creative instincts, providing him with an outlet for expression and belonging.

Over time, Paranjape also developed a love for reading, which deepened his connection with storytelling. His immersion in Pune's vibrant theatre culture opened doors to new artistic experiences, and it was there that he discovered the National Film Archive of India. This pivotal encounter introduced him to the expansive world of cinema, sparking a passion that would ultimately shape his career in filmmaking.

He shares that the Marathi film industry offers a creative freedom that he deeply values, providing a broader canvas for self-expression and experimentation. In contrast, he observes that the stakes are significantly higher in the Hindi film industry, where commercial considerations often take precedence. This difference, he notes, shapes the storytelling approach and the level of artistic liberty filmmakers can exercise in each industry.

When asked about his role models, Filmmaker Tushar Paranjape mentions drawing inspiration from several accomplished Marathi filmmakers he had the privilege to assist, such as Sumitra Bhave, Sunil Sukthankar, Sachin Kundalkar, and Sandeep Sawant. Each of them, he shares, taught him invaluable lessons about the craft and process of filmmaking, shaping his understanding of the art.

He also holds deep admiration for veteran film educator Samar Nakhate, whose profound advice—that one must embrace the fact they know nothing and continue learning every day—has had a lasting impact on Tushar's outlook. Additionally, he expresses gratitude towards his screenwriting teachers and seniors at FTII, acknowledging their significant role in shaping his career and helping him grow as a filmmaker.

Film Director Tushar Paranjape finds profound inspiration in the quote by a Buddhist monk: "Emptiness is Compassion." This philosophy resonates deeply with him, reflecting his approach to life and creativity. Another saying he holds close to his heart is, "It is always better to lead an unhappy life that is by your own choice than to lead a happy life dictated by others."

Screenwriter Tushar shares that this belief has been a guiding force for him throughout his journey in filmmaking. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the knowledge that his path was shaped by his own choices and passion for storytelling has kept him motivated and steadfast in his pursuit of a fulfilling career.

To new aspirants, Tushar Paranjape offers a thoughtful message to screenwriters, acknowledging the challenges of starting out in the film industry, particularly in a demanding city like Mumbai. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental sanity, as the journey to establishing oneself professionally often spans several years and requires resilience.

He advises screenwriters to stay connected with a community of creative individuals, highlighting that collaboration and camaraderie are crucial for growth. Isolation, he warns, can be counterproductive. Tushar encourages budding writers to openly discuss their work with peers, as this exchange of ideas can provide fresh perspectives and valuable insights, enriching their craft and broadening their understanding of storytelling.

Discussing the challenges in the field of screenwriting, Tushar candidly discusses the challenges inherent in the field of screenwriting, acknowledging that it is far from an easy journey. He highlights the need for authentic ideas that resonate with audiences, as well as the critical task of effectively connecting with the target demographic.

One of the major hurdles in this field, he notes, is dealing with stalled projects—a setback that many screenwriters inevitably encounter, which can be both disheartening and disruptive. Additionally, Tushar emphasizes the importance of finding the right collaborators in the film industry, a challenge that requires persistence and discernment. These obstacles, he believes, are integral to the screenwriting journey and shape a writer's resilience and adaptability.

When reflecting on his mistakes, Tushar admits that, as a creative individual, he has often struggled with advocating for his own rights. This lack of assertiveness, he feels, has occasionally hindered his professional journey. However, he is determined to address this shortcoming and plans to develop the confidence and skills necessary to stand up for himself and his work in the future.

In his free time, Tushar Paranjape prioritizes his physical and mental well-being through workouts and meditation. He has been studying and practicing Buddhism for the past seven years, finding it a source of deep personal growth. Additionally, Tushar occasionally explores painting, allowing himself an outlet for creative expression outside of filmmaking.

Tushar concludes with a profound thought: "We are the victims of our own conditions, and we need to break out of them to live a happy life." This philosophy underscores his belief in the importance of overcoming self-imposed limitations and embracing the freedom to live authentically.