Launda Naach: Not Just a Performance, But a Cry for Respect

My name is Azher Qurushi, also known in the creative world as Lucky Khan I was born and raised in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. My father served as a dog trainer in the Madhya Pradesh Sashastra Sena Bal (Special Armed Force), and he passed away in the line of duty when I was just 4 years old. My mother, a government hospital nurse, raised me with strength and dignity.At the age of 14, I was given a chance to join the Special Armed Forces under my father’s legacy. I completed my training by 18 and served across different cities and states. In 2004, I chose to resign and begin a new journey of self-discovery.In 2007, I started doing theatre at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, and in 2008, I worked in projects under Red Eyes Productions and Zee TV (though unreleased).In 2009, I moved to Indore and opened Angel Tattoo Studio, while simultaneously starting my journey in casting — working as a freelance casting coordinator with names like Jogi Malang, Shruti Mahajan, Shanoo Sharma, and Casting Bay.Over time, I also ventured into line production. But my passion for acting never stopped. In 2022, I got the opportunity to act in the Netflix film Kathal, and most recently, I worked as a second lead in Mirzapur Season 3(Amazon Prime Video).

My Short film synopsis Deepak is an ordinary man from a rural village, burdened by poverty and the responsibility of feeding his family. He runs from one dead end to another—searching for work, standing in line, trying to hold his dignity while the world keeps pushing him down. When all doors shut and survival becomes desperate, Deepak is left with one unexpected path: performing as a “Launda” dancer—men dressed as women, entertaining crowds at village fairs and weddings.But what begins as a means to earn quickly turns into a painful descent. Under the glitter of bangles and borrowed smiles lies a world of humiliation, exploitation, and abuse. Deepak is mocked by society, objectified by audiences, and slowly loses the very identity he once clung to.Launda Naach is not just about dance—it’s about what people are forced to do when hunger and helplessness leave them no choice. Through Deepak’s journey, the film explores the forgotten lives behind this folk tradition—those who dance not out of passion, but out of pain.A stark and emotional reflection on survival, identity, and dignity.

we are 12 People Crew in our team.Utilization of Funds for 5 Day Shoot of Launda Naach

Total Estimated Budget: 250000 rupees with additional in kind support

Shoot Location: Interior village near Bhopal Ashta Madhya Pradesh

Shoot Duration: 5 Days

Note: This film requires more than 250000 rupees to complete. However with the support of friends theatre artists and professionals working at reduced or symbolic charges we are aiming to stretch this minimum budget as far as possible.

Pre Production Item Amount

Casting 5000 rupees

Location Scouting and Permissions 5000 rupees

Costume Design and Sourcing 6000 rupees

Art Direction and Set Dressing 6000 rupees

Production Planning and Scheduling In kind support

Production (5 Days)

Item Amount

Camera DSLR Cinema Rental 25000 rupees

Lights and Grips 15000 rupees

Sound Equipment (Boom Recorder/ 4 Mic) 10000 rupees

DOP Fees Discounted 15000 rupees

Director and Assistant Direction 10000 rupees

Spot Boys and On Set Support 6000 rupees

Actors Honorarium Theatre Friends 10000 rupees

Food and Refreshments 10000 rupees

Accommodation Shared Housing for 5 Days 15000 rupees

Transport Crew Equipment Local Travel 12000 rupees

Contingency Emergencies 5000 rupees

Post Production

Item Amount

Editing Offline and Online 20000 rupees

Sound Design and Mixing 8000 rupees

Background Score Music 5000 rupees

Color Correction and Grading 7000 rupees

Subtitles English Festival Ready 3000 rupees

Marketing and Festival Submission

Item Amount

Festival Entry Fees India and Abroad 10000 rupees

Poster Design and Social Media Collateral 3000 rupees

Digital Promotion Trailer 2000 rupees

Total Budget 250000 rupees

With help from friends theatre artists and discounted professional services

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