The industry does not support new talent: Juhi Chawla

"Film financing and funding is easier only for reputed film firms and not for genuine filmmakers with lot of passion but no monetary support," Juhi told reporters here.
The actress who is the chairperson of ASSOCHAM National Committee unveiled a blueprint for attracting funds into the entertainment sector saying that investing in talent is the only way to improve cinema in the country.

"Story telling is an art. Entertainment is not easy. The balance between money and art has to be maintained. Both should be respected," she said.

Expressing her happiness at Marathi film 'Harischandrachi Factory' being selected as the country's official entry to the Oscars in the foreign film category, Juhi recalled how the film's director Paresh Mokashi had to struggle for funds.

"I was told by my husband to meet Paresh, whose parents were family friends, and help him out. Paresh appeared to be a genuine filmmaker who had his basics ready on paper. He wanted to make the film on Dadasaheb Phalke making India's first motion picture, only in Marathi," she said.

"Paresh had a talented cast on board, but they were not stars. He said the budget of the film would be Rs three crore. Paresh was so passionate about the film that he was ready to mortgage his house to raise the funds," added Juhi.

"I was no longer into production so I requested a production company to help him. But, the company refused because it did not know the dynamics of a Marathi film," Juhi said.

The actress said that she lost touch with Paresh for the next one-and-half years.
"When a few months ago his father informed me that the film is complete and will be India's official entry to the Oscars, I was very happy for Paresh," she said.

"Now, that the film is ready and is at the Oscars, a corporate has come forward to market and distribute the film. Where were the people with funds when he was struggling to make a film?," she asked.