Nidhi Kathuria, a senior journalist with **ITV GOLD**, spoke exclusively with filmmaker Rabinder Parasher about his cinematic journey, his new acting method, and his upcoming projects. Parasher has completed his third feature film, *Brilliant Idea*, shot between New Jersey and Ludhiana, Punjab, and has introduced a new acting style he calls Rabinder Acting.
Q: Mr. Parasher, congratulations on directing your third feature film *Brilliant Idea*, and that too in New Jersey, United States!**
Rabinder Parasher: Thank you so much for your wishes.
Q: How did your personal journey into filmmaking begin?**
Parasher: I grew up in Chandigarh, India, and I was that kid who was always reenacting movie scenes for my siblings. My father was a bank manager, and every Saturday, he would take us to the theater — thanks to my mother’s persuasion. The two films that changed my life were *Amar Akbar Anthony* and *First Blood*. After watching *First Blood* in college, I told my parents I wanted to be a director. They saw my passion and said, “Go ahead… we’re with you.” That support made all the difference.
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Q: Where did you receive your filmmaking training?**
Parasher: After completing my diploma in Electrical Engineering, I moved to Mumbai, the heart of Bollywood, in 1997. I started as an assistant director with Mr. Mahesh Bhatt, working on *Dushman*, *Zakhm*, *Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan*, and *Sangharsh*. Later, I directed two Bollywood films — *Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai?*, produced by the famous playback singer Kumar Sanu, and *Kabab Mein Haddi*. Eventually, I moved to the U.S. and directed *Brilliant Idea*, my first American film in both Hindi and English.
Q: Let’s talk about *Brilliant Idea*. You’ve invented a new acting style called ‘Rabinder Acting’. What exactly is it?**
Parasher: Rabinder Acting is a performance style that feels fresh, crisp, and entertaining. I developed it while training the two lead actors, Ricky and J.S. King. Only they could commit to regular training, while the rest of the cast could spare only a couple of days per month. That was a big challenge.
I discussed it with my brothers, Chander Mohan and Rajesh Prasher, who are also co-writers of the film. We decided to give the leads six months of intensive training while rehearsing occasionally with the others. In the final month, we brought both groups together. What emerged was a unique blend of trained and spontaneous performances. The result felt so distinct that I named it after myself: Rabinder Acting.
Q: Fascinating. Tell us a bit about the film itself.**
Parasher: *Brilliant Idea* is about two U.S.-based restaurant owners, played by Ricky and J.S. King, who are chasing the American dream. In search of success, they seek advice from family and friends, leading to a series of comedic situations. Things get even funnier when Ricky travels to India to meet two businessman brothers, played by Rajesh Prasher and Chander Mohan, who run an “idea-giving” company in Ludhiana.
Q: Where was the movie shot, and when will it be released?**
Parasher: Most of it was filmed in New Jersey, with some scenes in Ludhiana. It’s currently in post-production and scheduled for a theatrical release this Diwali — October 2025.
Q: The title song features Kumar Sanu. That’s a big name!**
Parasher: Yes, and we’re honored! Kumar Sanu gave me my first break as a director with *Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai?*. Whatever I am today is because of him. That’s why I’ve made it a rule — he must sing at least one song in every film I direct.
Q: What upcoming projects are you excited about?**
Parasher: We’re working on a feature film titled *Banarasi Corner*. We completed its test shoot in May 2025, and it’s now in pre-production. We plan to begin filming right after the release of *Brilliant Idea*.
Q: Will you be using the ‘Rabinder Acting’ style in this film as well?**
Parasher: Yes, absolutely. I’ll be applying the same technique in *Banarasi Corner* too.
Q: Fantastic. We’re looking forward to seeing ‘Rabinder Acting’ come alive in *Brilliant Idea* this Diwali. All the best!**
Parasher: Thank you so much for your wonderful wishes!
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