Smile Foundation, a national level development organisation, joined hands with Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s directorial debut ? Cakewalk ? (with Nation Next as its online media partner) a film that revolves around the life of an independent woman. Cakewalk also pledged support for the cause of She Can Fly– an initiative by Smile Foundation to enable, equip and empower girl children with quality education, proper nutrition, good health, adequate skills, and above all, a lot of self-confidence to help them live their lives to their fullest potential. The initiative also focuses on to sensitise the society on the importance of education for the girl child.

Ram Kamal Mukherjee and Abhra Chakraborty’s directorial venture Cakewalk created massive buzz in London with the grand poster launch, which also marked Esha Deol Takhtani’s comeback in Bollywood post marriage and motherhood. Produced under the banner of Assorted Motion Pictures and SS1 Entertainment, the film revolves around the journey of an independent woman Shilpa Sen played by Esha. Written by Ram Kamal Mukherjee, the film also stars Tarun Malhotra and Anindita Bose in pivotal role. While Shailendra Sayanti has composed the music of the film and debutante singer Rupali Jagga has rendered the song, Dinesh Gupta, Shailendra Kumar and Aritra Das have produced the film.

Speaking on this occasion, a delighted Esha Deol Takhtani said, I am very happy that Smile Foundation will be associated with our film Cakewalk. I agreed to do this film because Ram Kamal is trying to address an issue in a subtle way in this short film. I think Smiles ‘She Can Fly’ is the perfect platform to talk about Shilpa Sen and her journey.

Noted author turned filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee said, I always wanted to tell a story, it was just a matter of time. It was actually Esha who inspired me to direct the film. I think Smile Foundation is one of the most credible NGOs we have in our country. It’s a complete honor to work with them. The soul of the film blends well with the She can fly? cause ? an important issue to highlight in our male dominated society. I am glad that Cakewalk will add ‘smile’ to many such faces. 

A girl child comes into this world with just as many expectations, dreams and aspiration as a boy, but soon finds out that her way towards achieving them is much more challenging. She aims to fly high, but her wings are cut by the ruthlessly unjust gender bias that our society is ridden with. Through this association, we want to sensetise the civil society about the cause and partner them in the process of empowering, educating and making our girl child stronger, to stand her own ground, said COO, Smile Foundation, Sanjeev Dham.

Also read: Esha Deols comeback film Cakewalk to be premiered on Rishtey Cineplex

While Ram Kamal has penned the story and screenplay, the film has been co-directed by Abhra Chakraborty, who assisted National Award winning Bengali director Bappaditya Bandhopadhya in Elar Chaar Adhyay. 

Speaking about his corroboration with Ram Kamal, co-director Abhra said, I have heard about dada (Ram Kamal) from Bappada. After Bappadas sudden demise when I suddenly got a call from him to collaborate on a Hindi film, I immediately agreed. He feels that Esha will be seen in a complete new avatar, and that would be refreshing.

Former editor of Stardust film magazine, Ram Kamal worked with Pritish Nandy and Rangita Nandy in almost 12 films. Later he co-produced TV series Bin Kuch Kahe with filmmaker Rajshree Ojha. Last year he released his authorised biography Hema Malini: Beyond The Dreamgirl with Harper Collins.

Produced by Dinesh Gupta, Shailendra Kumar and Aritra Das, under the banner of Assorted Motion Pictures and S S One Entertainments, the film will also introduce model turned television actor Tarun Malhotra as the male lead. Ram Kamal said, I met Tarun during my Stardust days, and since then I have seen his growth and talent. He has worked with filmmakers like Pradeep Sarkar and Gaurie Shinde in commercials and played an antagonist in Jaanbaz Sindabad in Zee TV. I wanted someone who can look young and matured at the same time.

About Smile Foundation

Smile Foundation is a national level development organisation reaching out to more than 600,000 underprivileged children, youth and women directly every year through more than 250 welfare projects on subjects such as education, healthcare, youth employability, and women empowerment across 25 states of India. Adopting a life cycle approach of development, Smile Foundation focuses its interventions on children, their families and the community.