Mansoor Khan told Karan Bhardwaj that he may direct a film inspired by his latest book based on economics
Wondering where Mansoor Khan wasIJ The director of several popular movies of 80s and 90s like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, Akele Hum Akele Tum and Josh was busy researching a development model for more than a decade. He has finally put together his thoughts in a book which was inaugurated in Delhi. Titled The Third Curve, it describes the co-relation between the compulsions of economic growth and the limits imposed on man by nature. The book also emphasises on the end of the economic growth.
“I worked on this book for more than 10 years. I was searching on Net and came across with the idea of ‘peak oil’. The reason why I was looking for that was that my land was being taken in Mandwa (Maharashtra) for airport. I started questioning the development model. I realised I was a privileged person but there was a complete different world out there. The more I was questioning the development, more things were falling apart for me. Then I became aware of lots of things like peak oil and energy crisis,” he said. The reason he took so long was that he waiting for the right moment to talk about it. “We have reached the peak of the growth and global meltdown was expected. So I waited till the moment it happened. Now, they can believe in the subject and what I am saying. After 2008, I realised a lot of people started believing in my opinions and I got determined to write the book,” he said. His research was his own assessment of incidents in the economic world. “I noticed how everything crumbled, how market reacted to it. I used to explain it to people and would understand their arguments related to efficiency, alternative energy arguments, technology and human ingenuity. All these arguments have been demolished in the book,” he said.
During the launch, the writer also appealed to change the present approach towards development. He said he is not against the green energy but it is not viable in the present world. “You cannot run the present world on green energy. You need to change the consuming pattern,” he said.
Asked if he would like to translate his thoughts on celluloid, he said, “I will try. It’s a wishful thought. I may do it,” he said. Mansoor last co-produced Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. “I don’t believe in comebacks. I follow my heart. I didn’t do this book because I wanted to write. I wanted to share a thought. I am always motivated by my thoughts. It’s not my desire to make a film at the moment. I want to do other things. I run a farm state, writing, researching, lectures, travelling. I want to become a travel lecturer. I can make a film and earn Rs 100 crore but I am not driven to make money. If I come across something really interesting screenplay, I may do it,” he said. Mansoor is writing another book which is about civilisation as a culture.
Aamir’s day out
It was an evening full of glamour and economics. India’s leading economists, environmentalists and journalists thronged the India International Centre as Aamir Khan hosted the launch of his cousin-filmmaker Mansoor Khan’s maiden book. What the actor does is usually expected to be perfect! So this evening was no exception. like a responsible host, Aamir patiently sat on his knees at the corner of the stage as Mansoor gave an hour-long presentation on his book. As it got over, he chaired another discussion for around half an hour. Though it was an august gathering, the actor didn’t mind posing with almost each guest. Chotelal, as he is fondly called, also charmed Delhi’s who’s who with his patient conversations over wine and cheese. What surprised us the most was that the actor chose to stay back till the end of the evening and personally showed the way out to each guest.