Sapna Bhavnani has long been the poster child for non-conformism in our society. The outspoken celebrity hairstylist turned writer-director is now focusing on the Wench Horror Film Festival which she initiated; the latest edition starts on February 27.
In the course of this interview from her cosy pad in verdant Kalshet, near Pune, Sapna reveals how horror fascinates her but the mainstream doesn’t.
Excerpts from the interview:
You are famous for being this creative, tattooed rebel. Do you also have a business-minded side to you that runs film festivals?
Not at all. That’s why my festival still does not have a sponsor. But I would like to point out that rebellious people and artistes can also be organised. Happily, now filmmakers in the sci-fi and horror space know that Wench is the place where you want to go.
Why are you fascinated by horror films?
My naani, my mom and I used to call the spirits when I was a child. The only reason why I am on my fifth year of this festival without a sponsor is
because I am passionate about it. And the spirits are guiding me. I have shut my salon (Mad O Wot) down so I don’t have an income. I do this out of my savings. I can’t afford a big team so I pretty much do it with the spirits (laughs).
Pun intended! What do you have to say to rationalists?
That’s also okay. Even the word spiritual has spirit in it. I believe that you are not a body with a soul, you are a soul who is currently living in a body.
How do you react to horror films as a viewer and director? Have you ever left a film midway because the horror was unpalatable?
Never. Worldwide, horror is the number one genre that people watch. Even at the Oscars this year, the body horror film, The Substance, has scored multiple nominations. And Coralie Fargeat is the first woman director of a horror film to be nominated in the Best Director category.
When the whole world was going through a trauma during Covid, horror films were on the rise. The reason is that when you watch someone else in
trauma on screen your own trauma gets subdued because what you are going through in real life is not in focus anymore.
Women have often been shown as victims in the horror genre. Has that changed?
In fact, most of the ghosts are women and that doesn’t make them victims. As a festival, we focus on women and 35 of the 42 films are directed by women.
What has been a horror-stricken moment of your life?
Growing up, we did not have sex-ed in school and I Didn’t know what a period was. I had just seen Carrie in which she burns down the school after she
has a period… so I thought I had acquired some special skills. I was quite sad to learn that it is only a period.
Have you horrified anyone with your pranks in real life?
I am very principled so I am sure I have horrified a lot of people who don’t have principles. I tell it to their face and I tell it like it is.
It would be interesting to delve further into your mindspace and explore why you like horror.
I don’t think we have enough time for that. In my 54 years, I have not been able to figure myself out. And I don’t even want to. I am a very no-nonsense person and I am fine.
I saw a video of your beautiful house in Kamshet but does it get spooky in the dark with the dolls that you call Alice as decor?
In fact is it wonderful at night when the stars are clearly visible, You are talking about the mannequins. They are all called Alice. Since I was child, I have had many imaginary friends. Even in my apartment, I have
Alices in my art space. I have them everywhere. In my salon, I used a mannequin head as a lamp.
You have a flair for interiors, hair-styling, acting and directing. What is your preferred form of self- expression?
I don’t consider my profession as my self- expression. What I do to me is my purest self- expression … how I live, how I wear, what I do. I live
my life according to my terms every day. I feel that is the most radical form of self-expression.
You seem to have moved on from styling hair for stars.
I quit. I shut down my salon in 2020 so I have no income. I am truly living like an artist which I really love.
How old were you when you had your first tattoo?
19 … It was in Chicago.
And your latest tattoo?
Right now, I am making black gloves on my hands because every lady needs a pair of gloves. Is difficult to wear gloves in the heat of Bombay, so it’s easier to just get gloves tattooed on your body.
Many a youthful rebel turns mainstream with age.
Do you think that will ever happen to you? Do you see any mainstream in me? No? There you Go! Still the same.
So how would you describe yourself today?
Ridiculous. Is that a good word?
5 Must-See Films At The Wench Horror Film Festival
The Eye
Witte Wieven
I’m A Robot
Make Me A Pizza
Somnium
Sapna’s 10 Favourite Horror Films
Santa Sangre (1989)
Carrie (1976)
The Shining (1980)
The Exorcist (1973)
Susperia (1977)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Psycho (1960)
Eyes Without A face (1960)
Freaks (1932)
