Tree of Happiness
"Aanandache Rop" (Tree of Happiness) is a heartwarming tale about kindness, inclusion, and the true spirit of celebration. A young boy, deeply involved in preparations for the Ganesh festival, notices two children from a nearby slum watching the festivities from outside, yearning to join. When the watchman harshly drives them away, the boy feels a deep sense of unease and confusion. Seeking guidance, he turns to his grandfather, who gently suggests, “If you want to spread happiness to those children, plant a ‘Tree of Happiness.’” Curious but unclear on the meaning, the boy listens as his grandfather explains that the “Tree of Happiness” represents acts of kindness and inclusion. Just like a real tree needs nurturing to grow, happiness flourishes when shared with others. Inspired, the boy decides to act on this advice. He invites the slum children to join in the festival preparations, welcoming them into the community. Together, they plant a real tree as a symbol of their commitment to spreading joy, marking the beginning of a new friendship that bridges their differences. As the festival progresses, children from both the society and the slums bond through shared activities, and the atmosphere is filled with contagious joy. The boy’s small gesture of kindness not only brings happiness to the slum children but also unites the entire community. His grandfather watches with pride as the "Tree of Happiness" takes root, transforming both the boy's heart and the lives of those around him. By the festival’s end, the boy learns that happiness is like a tree: it needs love, care, and daily nurturing. The "Tree of Happiness" becomes more than just a symbol; it’s a lasting reminder of the simple but powerful impact of including and uplifting others.
-
Ketan Ashok KshirsagarDirector
-
Ketan Ashok KshirsagarWriter
-
Pradnya Jay KulkarniProducer
-
Vihaan Jay KulkarniKey Cast"Raju"Worked in commercial ad and drama artist
-
Vivek JoshiKey Cast"Ajoba"Worked in various TV serials like vadalvaat, commercial drama Nathuram Godse
-
Project Title (Original Language):आनंदाचे रोप
-
Project Type:Short
-
Runtime:9 minutes 50 seconds
-
Completion Date:November 10, 2024
-
Production Budget:200,000 INR
-
Country of Origin:India
-
Country of Filming:India
-
Language:Marathi
-
Shooting Format:Digital
-
Aspect Ratio:16:9
-
Film Color:Color
-
First-time Filmmaker:Yes
-
Student Project:No
-
Vishaka International Film Festival 2024, Indian Film Makers AssociationVisakhapatnam / Vizag
India
December 4, 2024
India
Marathi - Best short Children's Film 2024 -
Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival 2025Athens
Greece
Athens
Finalist - Top 10 -
Himachal Short Film Festival 2024Manali, Himachal Pradesh
India
December 15, 2024
Official selection in the festival -
Global Youth Film Festival 2024Chandigarh
India
December 20, 2024
Award - Senior Category Best Film -
Hollywood Best Indie Film Awards 2024
Official selection in the festival -
Goa International Film Competition 2024Panjim, Goa
India
December 21, 2024
Best Social Impact Film -
International Kolkata Short Film Festival (IKSFF). 2025Kolkata
India
January 22, 2025
Official selection -
Marathi International Film Festival - 2024New Jersey
United States
Official selection -
Nagpur Film Festival 2025Nagpur
India
January 11, 2025
Official Selection -
Cinematography & Photography Awards 2024London
United Kingdom
Nominee 2024 edition
Ketan Kshirsagar Actor/Director /Writer Profile Professional Career Marathi serials : Jagruti, Aflatoon, Katha Kathi, Spandan, Police Files, Tharar,Indradhanushya, Tumcha Amcha Jamla, Akaleche Kande, Damini, Duniya Dari, Naste Udyog, Arechya Kamal Ahe, Hasa Chakat fu, Kay Pahilas Mazhyat, Shreeyut Gangadhar Tipre, Kartavya, Madam, Waadal-Waat, BhagyaVidhata, Kum. Gangubai Nonmatric, Adhuri Ek Kahani, Akashzhep, Soniyacha Umbara, Anupama, chi. Sau. Kan., Vahinisaheb, Asa ka ghadla, Kulaswamini, Kasturi, Bhagyalaxmi, Sunder Maza Ghar Pudhcha Paul , Jawai Vikat Ghene Ahe He Man Baware Year Down
I am an actor who has performed in various stage plays, television serials, movies, documentary, telefilms, short films, even I have directed many commercial children's play & conducting various acting workshops.As a writer i have written few commercial plays, skits, concepts, write-ups. Language Marathi | Hindi|English Hindi Plays Subaha Jaroor Ayegi, RishteyNatey ketansagar@gmail.com @ketan_kshirsagar https://www.facebook.com/ketansagar Hindi serials/Teletilms Bhains Barabar, Parivar, Traffic Jam, Crime Patrol ( Satark / Dastak/ Dial 100) Marathi Films Radhika, Bandya ani Baby, Raada Rox, Preet Tuzi Mazi, Lek Mazi Gunachi, Yaala Jeevan Aise Naav Directed Children's Play like Raja Sinha (selected in international children's theater festival Jashne Bachpan organised by NSD Delhi ) Game Of Fairyland * Chandoba Chandoba Bhaglas Ka! * Cindrella varyavarchi Varat Shorts Films/ Documentaries Also Worked in some short films done by F.T.I.l (Films & Television Institute PUNE) Students. Even did an English Documentary “Beautiful Life" Directed by Mr. Rishə Banerjee TVC "Tata Sky (2021) Web series Crimes Aaj Kal ( episodic ) amazon mini tv.2023
"Aanandache Rop” (Tree of Happiness) is more than just a story; it’s a heartfelt reflection on the values that bind us as a society—kindness, inclusion, and the joy of giving. Through the lens of a child’s innocent curiosity and determination, this film seeks to highlight the transformative power of small gestures in bridging societal divides.
The idea for this film was born out of an observation: festivals often bring people together, but they can also inadvertently create boundaries. In this story, we explore how a young boy chooses to break those invisible walls, guided by the wisdom of his grandfather. His journey reminds us that true celebration lies in sharing joy with everyone, irrespective of their background.
The “Tree of Happiness” is both a literal and symbolic representation of this idea. It stands as a testament to the fact that happiness, like a tree, grows when nurtured and shared. The act of planting a tree with the slum children becomes a beautiful metaphor for cultivating empathy, breaking barriers, and creating lasting relationships.
Through this film, I aim to inspire audiences to reflect on the small but significant ways we can create inclusive spaces in our communities. The visual storytelling, coupled with the vibrant energy of the Ganesh festival, brings a cultural richness to this universal message of unity and compassion.
I hope “Aanandache Rop” resonates with everyone and serves as a gentle reminder that the seeds of happiness lie in acts of kindness, and the roots of a harmonious society are strengthened by inclusion.
— Ketan Kshirsagar
Director, Aanandache Rop