From AC Mechanic to Oscar: The Unlikely Journey of Nayan Rana
In the sweltering heat of Bhuj, a 71-year-old air-conditioning technician has quietly built one of Indian cinema's most improbable resumes. Nayan Rana, a name unknown to many, holds production credits on three films that have entered the prestigious Oscar race, showcasing a remarkable blend of blue-collar work and artistic passion.
A Striking Contrast: Red Carpets and AC Units
Despite his contributions to cinema, Rana continues to service air-conditioners in his hometown, a stark contrast to the glamorous world his films have touched. His filmography includes The Good Road (2013), Jal (2014), and Chhello Show (2022), the latter even making it to the Oscar shortlist. Yet, he remains grounded, stating, "I fix air-conditioners to make ends meet. Theatre does not offer steady income. We keep it alive purely out of passion."
Recent Accolades and Creative Pursuits
Rana's creative journey recently added another feather to its cap. His skit Ishwar ni Amanat (God's Treasure), written and directed for Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Mahila College, won first prize at the Kutch University Youth Festival 2025-26. The play delves into the history of human warfare and its impact on ordinary people, reflecting his deep engagement with social themes.
His broader film work spans notable projects like Parched (2016), Dhaad (2018), and Khape (2021), with early technical roles on Ram Gopal Varma's Satya (1998) and Mahesh Bhatt's Mouthful of Sky (1995).
A Lifelong Passion for Theatre and Film
Rana's passion ignited at age 10 when theatre veteran Rasnidhi Antani cast him in a Navratri play in Nagarvandi. He progressed to staging school productions, including a high school adaptation of the classic film Anand, inspired by Bhuj theatre figures like Markand Vora, Bhaskar Buch, and Jayant Makwana.
After moving to Mumbai in 1982, Rana spent 11 years balancing his AC business with film and television work. His first break came as an assistant under cinematographer Darshan Dave on Mouthful of Sky. Over decades, he has mastered nearly every film discipline—acting, scriptwriting, production, sound, camera, dubbing, and casting.
Theatre as a Primary Calling
Theatre remains Rana's true calling. He has directed works by Badal Sarkar and Mohan Rakesh and recently completed the script for Taat ne Taap, a play about the suffering and resilience of Indian farmers. Pankaj Jhala, actor and Secretary of Sanskar Bharati Gujarat Prant, praised him, saying, "As a writer, Nayan Rana explores his subject in depth and provokes serious reflection. His rehearsals are like a complete theatre workshop."
Cinematographer Ravji Sondarva, a collaborator, described Rana as "a flow of pure energy who strives for absolute perfection and never rests until a task is completed."
Key Highlights of Rana's Creative Journey
- Theatre: Wrote and directed a stage adaptation of Saadat Hasan Manto's Toba Tek Singh, developed over seven months with 35 actors, 30 of whom were newly trained.
- Technical Assistant Roles: Provided camera assistance with DOP Piyush Shah and production support for The Devadasi (1997, Pan Nalin), sound for Dance of the Wind (1997, Rajan Khosa), and casting for The Memsahib (2006, Kruti Mazumdar).
Nayan Rana's story is a testament to unwavering dedication, proving that passion can thrive even in the most unexpected places, bridging the gap between everyday labor and cinematic excellence.
