Rabinder Parasher. / Courtesy Photo

US-based Indian filmmaker Rabinder Parasher is charting a new course in performance with his self-developed technique, ‘Rabinder Acting’. Known for his early work with Mahesh Bhatt and two Bollywood features, Parasher has now completed his third film Brilliant Idea in New Jersey — a cross-cultural comedy that introduces his unique acting method. In this interview, he speaks about his journey from Chandigarh to the U.S., the inspiration behind his acting style, and how crisis sparked innovation on set.

How did your personal journey into filmmaking begin?
Rabinder: I grew up in Chandigarh, India, and I was that kid who was always reenacting movie scenes for my siblings. My father was a bank manager, and every Saturday, he would take us to the theater — thanks to my mother’s persuasion. The two films that changed my life were ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ and ‘First Blood’. After watching ‘First Blood’ in college, I told my parents I wanted to be a director. They saw my passion and said, “Go ahead… we’re with you.” That support made all the difference.

Where did you receive your filmmaking training?
Rabinder: After completing my diploma in Electrical Engineering, I moved to Mumbai, the heart of Bollywood, in 1997. I started my film career as an assistant director with Mr. Mahesh Bhatt, working on four Bollywood films: Dushman, Zakhm, Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan, and Sangharsh. Later, I became an independent film director and directed two Bollywood films — Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai?, which was produced by the famous Bollywood playback singer Kumar Sanu, and my second film Kabab Mein Haddi. Eventually, I moved to the U.S. and directed my third feature film Brilliant Idea, an American film in both Hindi and English.

You’ve introduced a new acting technique called Rabinder Acting. What exactly is it?
Rabinder: Rabinder Acting is a performance style that feels fresh, crisp, and entertaining. I developed this technique while training the two lead actors of the film, Mr. Ricky and J.S. King. Since the entire cast was new, I wanted to give them acting training. However, only the two lead actors could dedicate time for regular sessions; the rest of the cast was too busy with their jobs and couldn’t take time off. This was a major challenge.

As they say, crisis often leads to invention. I discussed the situation with my brothers, Chander Mohan and Rajesh Prasher, who are also my partners and co-writers of the film and the acting syllabus. We brainstormed several ideas, and then I struck upon a unique solution. I decided to provide intensive six-month training to just the two lead actors, Ricky and J.S. King, while rehearsing film scenes occasionally with the other cast members — about two days per month, whenever they were available. These training and rehearsal sessions were held at two separate locations, with my brothers also teaching simultaneously.

One month before the shoot, that is, in the sixth month, I brought both groups together to rehearse full scenes. The result was something completely new — a unique blend of trained and spontaneous performances that created a fresh, dynamic acting style. The audience will experience this for the first time in Brilliant Idea, and that’s why I named the style after myself: Rabinder Acting.

Tell us a bit about the film, Brilliant Idea.
Rabinder: Brilliant Idea follows the highs and lows of two U.S.-based restaurant owners, played by American actors Ricky and J.S. King, leading to a series of comedic situations. Things get even more hilarious when Ricky travels to India to meet two businessman brothers, portrayed by Bollywood actors Rajesh Prasher and Chander Mohan. These brothers run a recruitment services company in Ludhiana, Punjab, and they specialize in giving people “brilliant ideas” to help them succeed in life.

Where was the movie shot, and when will it be released?
Rabinder: Most of the film was shot in the United States, with some scenes filmed in Ludhiana, Punjab. It is currently in post-production and is scheduled for a worldwide release this Diwali — on October 16, 2025.

The title song of the film features Kumar Sanu. That’s a big name!
Rabinder: Yes, and we’re honored! The title song is sung by Kumar Sanu. Interestingly, in the United States, March 31st is celebrated as Kumar Sanu Day in Dayton, Ohio. He was the one who gave me my first break as a director with Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai?. Whatever I am today, it’s because of Kumar Sanu. I’ve made it a rule — he must sing at least one song in every film I direct.

What upcoming projects are you excited about?
Rabinder: We’re working on a feature film titled ‘Banarasi Corner’. We completed its test shoot in May 2025. It’s currently in pre-production, and we plan to begin filming right after the release of ‘Brilliant Idea’.

Will you be using the Rabinder Acting technique in this film as well?
Rabinder: Yes, absolutely. I will be applying the same Rabinder Acting technique in this film too.