Renowned filmmaker Hansal Mehta's work is known for its profound themes and engaging narratives. On the second day of the Cinevesture International Film Festival in Chandigarh, he showcased not only his sharp wit but also his deep understanding of the film industry.
During a discussion, Mehta and his current collaborator, the talented Pratik Gandhi, delved into the dynamics of the director-actor relationship and the intricacies of their collaboration. Mehta humorously referred to his recurring partnership with Gandhi as a result of 'lazy casting.' On a more serious note, he revealed that Applause Entertainment initially approached Pratik for a series about Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi before reaching out to him. Given Pratik's extensive experience portraying Gandhi on stage, he was undoubtedly the perfect choice for the role of the Father of the Nation.
Pratik Gandhi's Connection to Gandhi
For the past decade, Pratik has envisioned himself playing Gandhi on screen, resonating with many of the qualities that define the iconic leader. He finds Gandhi's blend of stubbornness and moral integrity particularly compelling, often questioning whether it stems from ego. Pratik also emphasizes Gandhi's simplicity as a powerful tool, one that remains relevant in today's world.
Both Mehta and Pratik assert that Gandhi's message is crucial in contemporary society, regardless of the political landscape. Mehta remarked, 'Non-violence (ahimsa) is a principle that holds significance not just in public life but also within families.' Pratik added that the portrayal of Gandhi in Mehta's series will focus more on his humanity rather than his saintly image, although Mehta refrained from revealing specific details, preferring to let the series unfold its narrative naturally.
Reflections on Biopics and the Film Industry
As a Gujarati, Mehta does not view Gandhi as an automatic role model, stating, 'Our ideals evolve over time.' He humorously noted, 'I don’t idolize anyone blindly.' With a history of telling real-life stories, including those of Harshad Mehta and Telgi, he chooses not to engage in debates about the challenges of biopics. Addressing the notion that historical narratives are currently trendy, Mehta countered, 'Just one Chhaava does not validate a trend.'
Regarding the pressures of the film industry, he acknowledged the challenges posed by box office expectations and streaming viewership. Despite perceptions of his recent film, The Buckingham Murders, underperforming, he clarified that it was still a profitable venture. He emphasized that all his films, from Shahid to Citylights and Faraz, have been financially successful, except for Simran, where he did not apply his usual risk-minimizing strategy.
The Future of Indian Cinema
Mehta takes pride in the success of Scam 1992, which was produced on a modest budget. When asked if Gandhi could be India's equivalent to The Crown, he expressed a desire for India to create its own unique narrative, mentioning his anticipation for a web series like Adolescence. He noted that the OTT landscape is also falling into formulaic patterns, hinting at an impending disruption that will not come from new platforms but rather from the artistic community itself. He believes that companies like Applause Entertainment and RSVP are the true disruptors, investing in projects that align with their convictions.
His commitment to cinema is evident in his support for the Punjabi film Hanere De Panchhi, which he considers a privilege to be part of. While he seeks 'egoless actors,' his own ego takes a backseat in the pursuit of quality filmmaking.
Mehta openly acknowledges the influence of Gurvinder Singh's Anhe Ghode Da Daan on his own work, particularly Aligarh, and credits Singh's cinematographer, Satya Nagpaul, for contributing to his vision. Both Mehta and Pratik view themselves as chroniclers of their times, striving to depict history with authenticity. They are not individuals who claim to have all the answers but are continuously learning.
Jasbir Jassi's Musical Journey Jasbir Jassi on stage, be it for a concert or a talk about his journey, and the Dil Le Gayi Kudi singer always has us hooked. On Day 2 of Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF), the singer-lyricist was all wit and humour.
Jasbir Jassi captivated the audience with his charm and humor as he recounted his journey from childhood, when he first discovered his passion for music, to his rise to fame with Dil Le Gayi Kudi. He humorously reflected on hiding his tumbi from his father, who disapproved of his musical aspirations, and shared anecdotes about serious filmmakers while critiquing Bollywood's superficial representation of Punjabis. 'Punjabis have depth,' he asserted, expressing pride in his collaborations with legends like Hans Raj Hans and Surjit Patar. He acknowledged that while he may not have studied literature extensively, being surrounded by such influential figures enriched his music. His theatrical experiences also helped him refine his body language and diction, shaping his identity post-Dil Le Gayi Kudi. Despite his success, his heart remains devoted to the story of Heer.
