Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra chatted with K Bhardwaj about his forthcoming movies and why he chooses scripts over actors
Rang De Basanti had a huge impact on the youth. It was even said that thousands of youngsters were inspired by the movie to get on streets to support Jessica lal. “I didn’t make movie with that idea. I didn’t know it would have such a landmark impact on youth. As a common citizen, I would watch Shaheed on Independence Day and would go to India Gate and have goosebumps. So I wanted to share that passion with the film. However, it created a sort of revolution.” shared RDB’s creator, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra during his session at the Taj literature Festival.
Excerpts from an interview:
You are a regular at literature festivals. Do you find them informingIJ
I wish we had such opportunities while growing up. I am fond of literature festivals and good writing. The only regret is that my kids are not here with me. Writing is a great fascination. I also write for my movies and it takes a lot of time.
Your forthcoming film is Casual Kamasutra. Tell us about it.
IThe idea of Casual Kamasutra was in my mind for five years. It has nothing to do with Kamasutra but with Economics. A boy comes to Delhi after his father in a small village in Madhya Pradesh fails to pay back the loan. During that time, a lot of girls come to Delhi due to American economic slowdown. The movie is about the dying handloom in India narrated through the struggle of this boy. I will talk about Chanderi, Bhagalpur, Madhubani in the movie. Then, I am also going to work on Mirza Sahiba. It’s a folklore based in Rajasthan. I had written a concept note of 25 pages. Gulzar sahab is writing the script.
Why don’t you use lip-sync in songsIJ
Music cannot be related to somebody’s face. I belong to radio generation and we would never think of faces while listening to songs. That’s why I have stopped lip-sync in my movies and play it in background. Unfortunately, now it’s all about videos and eyes which I don’t like. Music is something that touches your sub-conscious mind and transports you into another world. I like the compositions of Madan Mohan, Kl Saigal, RD Burman and AR Rahman.
Why do you take so long to conceptualise your filmsIJ
I am not in a hurry. I want the full liberty and free flow of ideas. I don’t make movies for anybody’s sake. Creating characters take time. I go into my own thought process which is a tedious exercise.
A lot of filmmakers keep actors in mind while writing scripts...
That’s being dishonest to the film. When you think of actors while writing, it puts limitations on the script as well as the actor. Through movies, you have to create characters. I always write the script first since it is a challenge for the actors. I spoke to many actors for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag but only Farhan Akhtar could fit the bill. After narrating the story for 20 minutes, I knew I had got my actor. He gave great response.
We heard you are not happy with the idea of releasing films immediately after it is made.
That’s true. I need time to take a fresh look at the movie, once it is complete. One needs to sink in while its making. But they are the tricks of commerce. There’s so much pressure from all sources to release the film. We cannot help it due to piracy. I think we need to adopt smart ways to combat the menace of piracy.
Do you move on after making a filmIJ
They are like my babies. They grow with time. But I think we are modern gypsies. We move on in a sense that we are quite comfortable in adapting new ideas. I haven’t repeated my actors in films except for a few like Sonam Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman. But I remain intact with all my actors. We celebrate Holi and Diwali together.
What made you fall in love with Delhi 6IJ
I used to terribly hate Chandni Chowk. But once I moved out of Delhi, I started missing it and realised its worth. It’s an amazing area. Now I think it should be declared as a world heritage.