When it comes to cutting edge content creation and immaculate storytelling, one of the names to top the list is none other than Siddharth Kumar Tewary. After completing the first schedule of his tech thriller series – Escaype Live under his banner One Life Studios, Tewary kickstarts the show’s second schedule in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan with a brand new and exciting addition to his much talked about eclectic star cast.
Joining the show on the Jaisalmer shoot schedule are two solid performers – The Thappad and Soni gal Geetika Vidya Ohlyan and Punjab da munda Jagjeet Sandhu who shot to fame with his character Chaku, one of the four assassins. Geetika took the industry by storm with her brilliant showcase in the titular role of Soni and became a critics darling with her performance as the house help Sunita in Thappad. Jagjeet has been a noteworthy name across the theatre circuits and Punjabi cinema. Essaying the role of Chaku in Patal Lok made him a household name across India.
Talking about joining the cast of Escaype Live, shooting in Jaisalmer and collaborating with co-writer, director and producer Siddharth Kumar Tewary, Geetika says, “The real locations for Escaype Live have gifted me with proximity to real women of Jaisalmer. The women here are mothers, dreamers, warriors all in one. They are mesmerising amalgamations of accessories, colors, strength, hospitality, mirth and so much more. The grit of these women in the face of economic and social constraints is deeply enriching for me as an artist. Collaborating with SKT (Siddharth Kumar Tewary) is a newfound thrill. His compassion towards the local people, the characters in these stories, his team at One Life Studios from the highest to the lowest rung and above all, his unwavering focus on nuances of every character‘s journey invokes respect and love at the same time. His passion towards the aesthetic excellence of Escaype Live is infectious. I am loving this abundance of opportunities to experience, learn and create.”
Being part of this crazy ride of Escaype Live with Tewary, Jagjeet says, “I play the role of Nandu on Escaype Live. When I read the character brief, it sounded very interesting and I wanted to make sure I got the part. I sent in my audition and things just fell into place thereon. Once I was on board the project, I was told that someone else was cast for the role but when Siddharth Sir saw my audition, he felt like I made the perfect Nandu. This for me, was a huge compliment. I’m working with Siddharth Sir for the first time and it’s been a great experience. He allows an actor to find their own expression and is very supportive of the artistic process that goes into breathing life into a character. He doesn’t throw in limitations of any kind. He’s fluid about how the lines in the script are used or how a moment is created in the scene. As long as the core and essence of the story is in place, we can make the rest our own. The rapport created has been great and we’re all having a super time working together.”
Talking about the Jaisalmer schedule of Escaype Live and working with Jagjeet and Geetika, Siddharth Kumar Tewary says, “Escaype Live is an edge of the seat thriller that reflects the lives of the youth today who are completely motivated by digital validation. Our show pans various story tracks set in different parts of the country. For this very reason, we wanted to keep every story, it’s cast and it’s setting to be completely authentic and culturally relevant. After our Swastik Bhoomi schedule which is very urban and edgy, we are amidst a month-long schedule in Jaisalmer with a completely different vibe. Actors are crucial to that vibe as they create characters and bring what you’ve written to life. So it’s great to work with such diverse, talented and passionate people like Geetika and Jagjeet.”
The show follows different stories that take place across all these different towns and cities. Tewary wanted the original look, feel and terrain for each story to retain its core, it’s essence. Hence, instead of just creating sets, they zeroed in on locations that make these stories real and bring them to life. In addition to Swastik Bhoomi in Umargam, where schedule one was shot, the show will be shot extensively across Delhi, Varanasi, Bangalore and Mumbai after Jaisalmer.