In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18’s Yatamanyu Narain, Manoj Bajpayee and Rahul Chittella shared their reactions to Gulmohar’s success at the 70th National Film Awards and explored the film’s origins. They reminisced about how their collaboration began with a chance encounter, where Bajpayee expressed his eagerness to work with Chittella on any future project, laying the foundation for ‘Gulmohar’. Bajpayee also discussed the film’s profound exploration of belonging, both within the family and in society. He opened up about his personal methods for managing anxiety and fondly remembered hosting a Holi celebration for the entire ‘Gulmohar’ team, where he personally cooked mutton for the cast and crew. Chittella highlighted how the filmmaking process transformed the team into a close-knit family, reflecting the very themes ‘Gulmohar’ seeks to portray.