Zara Si Dhoop (Aayushi Agarwal) UK |

Zara Si Dhoop
Aayushi Agarwal
UK. 2024. 16 min

We delve into the heartwarming and complex relationship between Piyali, a determined 28-year-old professional, and her spirited mother, Neelam, who has been confined to a wheelchair for the past 15 years. Their bond is more than just love; it’s a symphony of fights, games, arguments, laughter, and surprises that has shaped their lives in the bustling city of Lucknow.
Life takes an unexpected turn when Piyali is offered the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to spearhead a major project for her company, but it comes with a catch – she must relocate to a different city. Piyali finds herself torn between her career aspirations and the responsibility she feels towards her mother. As the pressure mounts, a heated argument erupts between them. Harsh words are exchanged, and both mother and daughter are deeply wounded. Piyali regrets her outburst but can’t turn back time. She’s caught in a precarious situation where her relationship with her mother is strained, while her career and the success of her new project hangs in the balance.

AAYUSHI AGARWAL

My name is Aayushi Agarwal and I am a Mumbai based production designer, cinematographer and filmmaker. I studied my undergrade in design and then started working as a set dresser in the industry. After doing that for a couple of years I moved on to go to London film school to pursue my masters in Filmmaking and specialised in cinematography there.
I believe that I have always been a storyteller be it in the form of poetry or film and that everything that led me here was for a reason and makes me believe that I have more to offer.

DIRECTOR´S NOTE

This film is all about relationships and the feelings that make them strong. When the original story and theme was presented by Aayushi, I was intrigued by the premise and thought the characters were relatable and real.
The theme explores the complexity of relationships and the genre being drama, I wanted the challenge and do justice to the characters and the story.
I feel like the way we are showing this mother daughter duo is original and has not been seen before. It is very personal for Aayushi and myself and I hope that brings out our sincerity on screen.