Hindi
Mike Pandey decries spat between I&B ministry and Goa govt
MUMBAI: Chairman of the steering committee of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Mike Pandey has opined that squabbling between the Information & Broadcasting (I& B) ministry and the Goa government over sharing the costs could weaken the event.
In a letter to the Goa government dated 14 July, Pandey has also written to the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) that the current goings-on between the two agencies were disturbing.
“We need to get away from the syndrome of this is something ‘incurred by Goa state‘ or ‘that belongs to the Centre‘. Let us pool our strength, experience and hearts and work as one team,” averred Pandey.
It was under the I&B Ministry‘s insistence that Pandey has been trying to sort out differences between the two entities.
The DFF functions under the I&B ministry and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), a government society created to promote films in the state.
The ESG, chaired by chief minister Digambar Kamat and the DFF, headed by a senior I&B official, have for years been at loggerheads over logistical and expense related issues of the IFFI, which is being held in Goa for several years now.
The Goa government claims that it foots the bill of several crores of rupees every year but is not compensated enough.
Hindi
Rajesh Ramaswamy exits The Script Room to focus on filmmaking journey
Ad filmmaker steps away from own venture to pursue direction and storytelling
MUMBAI: In a move that has caught the attention of the advertising and creative community, Rajesh Ramaswamy has announced his exit from The Script Room, the company he co-founded, marking the end of a seven-year stint at the helm.
The decision, which came into effect earlier this month, signals a shift in focus for Ramaswamy, who is now looking to immerse himself fully in filmmaking and direction as an independent creative.
Known for blending sharp advertising insight with storytelling craft, Ramaswamy has been instrumental in shaping The Script Room into a creative hub that delivered campaigns, branded content, and original storytelling formats. Over the years, the company collaborated with agencies, directors, and a wide network of writers, while also experimenting with formats such as short films and web series.
Sharing his thoughts on the transition, Ramaswamy indicated that the move is driven by a desire to focus and explore stories he has been developing over time. While he acknowledged the unconventional nature of stepping away from one’s own venture, he also framed it as a necessary leap toward clarity and creative pursuit.
Importantly, The Script Room will continue its operations with its current team and leadership, with Ramaswamy expressing confidence in the group that helped build the company’s identity. The studio, he noted, remains well-positioned to evolve further with fresh talent and ideas.
His exit also reflects a wider industry trend, where experienced advertising professionals are increasingly transitioning into independent filmmaking, tapping into the growing opportunities across digital and long-form content platforms.
As Ramaswamy steps into this new phase, the move underscores a familiar creative instinct, sometimes, the boldest ideas begin with a clean break.
