Like Mother, Like Daughter

I never wanted to face the camera,” says Rayane. “However, my passion for cinema is endless. My ambition is to take Tamil television to a global stage through digitalisation,” adds the young filmmaker, who is excited about the digital media’s growth in India.

In an attempt to pool in the fresh talent to be part of Radaan’s banner, Rayane is getting ready to hold the first Radaan Short Film Festival in February 2016. “Short films have had a huge influence on Kollywood of late. Aspiring filmmakers have showcased their talent on television through their short films and have achieved the recognition they deserved. That inspired me to launch our own short film festival, where 10 best films from the entries will be awarded; the winner will get the opportunity to work with Radaan. The entries have already been invited and the jury comprising directors Balaji Mohan, Karthik Subbaraj, cinematographer Rathnavelu, editor Anthony and music director Santosh Narayanan will decide the winner,” says Rayane.

The entrepreneur and movie buff, who is engaged to cricketer Abhimanyu Mithun, is also a keen cricket follower. “Apart from cinema, cricket is one thing I have always followed passionately. Watching cricket is our family’s get-together time.” Talking about her beau, “We met on Facebook and things took off from there. Abhimanyu did not know my family roots when he added me as friend. But soon we became good friends and started hanging out together. Then things started falling in place. Our wedding will take place in September 2016,” says Rayane, who has interestingly done her Masters in sports management from the University of Leeds.

Rayane credits Radikaa with being her pillar of strength. “I grew up, looking up to her. She has taught me to be always strong, confident and independent. I owe everything I have today to my mother,” concludes Rayane.