Debashish Irengbam, son of an army officer, has travelled the length and breadth of India during his father’s postings. This cosmopolitan upbringing and diverse experiences have informed his storytelling.
Irengbam is both a novelist and a screenwriter (more on that below). However, what makes him particularly newsworthy is his recent collaboration on the script for Jigra, a Bollywood film set to hit theatres on 11 October.
Produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, with Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina in the lead roles, Irengbam is not only working with an incredible team but also stepping into the spotlight with a project that promises to showcase his unique storytelling talents.
“Jigra is my first film, so it is extra special, and I couldn’t have asked for a better combination to debut with,” says Irengbam over Zoom from Mumbai.
Talking about the film, Irengbam is laconic for good reason when it comes to providing insights, but he states, “It’s about how far you will go to protect and save your family.”
He does reveal, however, “We have Alia in a kick-ass avatar. You’re going to see things in the film that will shock and surprise you.”
Irengbam has co-written the script with the film’s director, Vasan Bala, known for his work in notable films such as The Lunchbox (2013), Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2019), and Monica, O My Darling (2022), to name a few.
“So, you can expect a bit of madness and quirkiness in this film as well, because he [Vasan] is known for his attention to small nuances, not just in terms of humour and wit, but also in the emotional scenes,” shares Irengbam.
Irengbam says that Vasan has been an amazing person to collaborate with, especially at the creative level. He adds that this is one of the fastest scripts he has seen turn into a film.
“We started work in April-May, and by October we were shooting. It was a swift process, and what helped was Vasan’s conviction, Alia’s confidence in the subject, and her commitment. I saw my script coming to life for the first time in a film studio, on a film set. I’ve seen the passion with which every member of the team works, and it just makes me feel very proud,” he says, adding, “It’s a different high to see the trailer, teaser, and the appreciation. I’m just processing it right now.”
Until Jigra, Irengbam had written episodes for TV crime thrillers such as Dil Dosti Dance, Savdhaan India, Aahat, and Gumrah. He has also authored three novels: Me, Mia, Multiple (2015), Charlie Next Door (2017), and Tune for the Dead (2019).
And though these are different mediums, he agrees that scriptwriting pays the bills, while writing a novel is more like a long-term relationship; however, the latter is something he will never give up.
With roots in Manipur, Northeast India, Irengbam’s nostalgia for spending time with his extended family—especially his uncle, who told him imaginative bedtime stories set on the farm—inspired his storytelling flair.
Growing up in 1990s Manipur, listening to songs on the radio in the courtyard with his grandmother, Irengbam was surrounded by a pastoral lifestyle that left a lasting nostalgia. Additionally, living in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Delhi provided him with a North Indian connection.
“At a subconscious level, all these experiences have shaped me into the storyteller I am today, for sure.”
Irengbam’s advice for aspiring screenwriters is this: “You need patience and persistence, and you must consciously be open to learning, deconstructing what you’ve already learned, and evolving. Finally, passion is essential—don’t let money or fame be your driving force.”
As part of his routine, Irengbam loves to write every day. “The point is, you need to have that genuine hunger to get your story out. After that, it’s basically a matter of technical knowledge [such as enrolling in a course to get the basics right and how to professionally construct a screenplay].”
Irengbam hopes to build on his love for the mythology and folk tales of Manipur at some point. “If the emotional core is there, the cultural context doesn’t matter.”
For instance, Jigra is set in a foreign country, but the bond between a brother and sister is universal, he adds.
“I’m excited to see something from Manipur represented because I believe it is underexplored. Collaborating on a project that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Manipur to a mass audience would be truly exciting.”
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