Postcard This is an interesting story of a Nigerian single mother who travels to India for medical reasons. She faces many struggles in relationships and eventually reunites with her family in India. Filmed in Lagos and Mumbai, the series stars a diverse cast of Nigerian and Indian actors, portraying a multicultural spectrum of human emotions. Indian-origin man, Nigerian series director and entrepreneur, Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, has been making significant strides in the Nigerian entertainment industry and the Indian OTT sector.

Speaking to us from Lagos over a video call, Hamisha shared insights into the making of Postcard, his cultural influences, future plans, and his journey as an Indian-Nigerian filmmaker, businessman, and motivational speaker. His unique background and experiences have shaped his creative vision, allowing him to create content that resonates with diverse audiences.

“Initially, the title I planned was postcard from india, We wanted to convey a sense of the old-fashioned charm of another country with meaningful messages. However, we realized that focusing on just India may limit global appeal. so, Postcard It was chosen to give a broader, more relevant experience across different cultures,” says Hamisha

On Large scale

Postcard Much larger in scale and reach than his 2021 feature film, hello wahala, Hamisha says hello wahala While it was initially targeted at the Nigerian audience Postcard It aims to connect with audiences around the world by focusing on universal themes of human connection and relatable life experiences. It has gained global attention and quickly reached the top in Nigeria, UK, Kenya, Mauritius and Dubai, reflecting the show’s ability to connect emotionally with audiences, leading to repeat viewings and That’s evident from the reaction to repeated viewings.

As far as the timeline of the project is concerned, Hamisha shares that Postcard It took approximately a year from conception to release, with filming beginning in January 2023. This meticulous approach ensured that every aspect of the series, from storytelling to production quality, met his high standards. “We also aimed to create borderless content that appeals to a global audience. While the project focused primarily on Nigeria, we wanted it to resonate with audiences around the world while showcasing universal themes of human emotions and relationships.

taste of two nations

Hamisha also highlighted the cultural similarities between Indians and Nigerians, highlighting aspects such as touching the feet of elders, love for food and fashion and a shared sense of national pride. “These similarities played an important role in shaping the characters and the story, making the series relevant to diverse audiences.”

Hamisha integrated Indian cultural elements such as sarees and the Hindi language into the series, especially with the Nigerian actors. “It was a spontaneous effort, thanks to the actors’ familiarity and love for Bollywood. One of the actors playing Zainab spoke fluent Hindi, adding an authentic touch to the series. The saree scene was well received, showcasing the cross-cultural exchange within the narrative.

track appeal

Hamisha says that out of the various emotional tracks of the series, she resonates most with the story of the young couple who are debating whether or not to have a child. Played by Nigerian actor Rahma Sadau (Zainab) and Bollywood’s Rajneesh Duggal (Dr Siddharth), their story can be related to any couple in the world. “It reflects the complexities of relationships and personal aspirations, emphasizing that there are no right or wrong answers, just different perspectives and life circumstances.”

Having a multicultural background can be an advantage when creating cross-cultural content. Hamisha agrees that it gives a unique perspective and deep understanding of different cultures, allowing one to create authentic, relatable and inclusive content. “Your experiences and insights can help bridge gaps, avoid stereotypes, and celebrate diversity in meaningful ways. Embracing your multicultural identity as an integral part of your storytelling approach is a powerful tool in creating content that resonates with diverse audiences.

Different film industries can sometimes reflect similar themes or character portrayals! Both Nollywood and Bollywood are known for their vibrant storylines and colorful characters. Hamisha has used characteristics from two industries. Postcard It seems to have captured the distinctive style of Nollywood, where heightened emotions, natural but exaggerated performances and deep emotions are key components. The role of Aunty Bunmi (played by Sola Sobowale). Postcard It seems to combine characteristics of both Nollywood and Bollywood. “Their interactions, particularly with regard to hugging and showing affection, reflect the heightened emotional tone often seen in these film industries. The portrayal of Aunty Bunmi is natural as it reflects how the actress behaves in real life.

dream of acting

Regarding her acting stint and plans, Hamisha expressed openness to exploring more acting opportunities, while growing her role hello wahala and in a cameo Postcard, “It was a little girl’s dream,” she laughs and hints at a sequel to the popular film and a new reality show to come.

Hamisha’s love for Bollywood is evident in her admiration for the 90s era of the industry. She grew up watching Karan Johar’s films and developed a love for the vibrant storytelling and colorful characters that are the hallmark of Bollywood. Her dream is to work with actors like Manisha Koirala, Madhuri Dixit, Shahrukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukherjee, staying in line with her admiration for 90s Bollywood.