You were recently part of the jury that selected 75 young Indians as part of the next 75 generation of creative minds at IFFI 52 in Goa. What was the idea behind this initiative?
This country has done a lot. We need to inspire people. bachche ko Sirf faults hi tell denge toh woh woh jayega (If we show faults to only one child, he will lose the spark). Such is our country. Such is our society. We don’t become each other’s strengths, we don’t share good stories. It is necessary to state what was not achieved over the years, but at the same time it is equally important to state what was achieved.
What are the future plans for these selected 75 children? How will the exposure they get in Goa help them reach their future destinations?
This is not the destination. This is to boost their confidence. To be sure they have a certain self-confidence. Whenever they feel that some eminent people have chosen them responsibly, they will surely gain confidence. And the exposure they gain will give them direction. This is an exercise to give them a direction, not a destination.
What support will they get from the organization?
You know what our industry is like. It is an independent industry. It is not that the government makes films. But the government has taken a very important step to identify these people and give them a platform for exposure. Now, the profession they are in is mostly free. They will definitely have to find a way to reach the studios and production houses. But this will give them knowledge. Knowledge opens the way. enlighten you with knowledge milta hai (Knowledge helps to open doors. Knowledge helps to enlighten a person). A person who has knowledge, he is well versed in dealing with the world.
Will this recognition translate into success stories for these young creative minds?
This exercise is for spotting talent. This is not the hallmark of his work. It is a recognition of their potential. Let’s not get it wrong. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur ji has done a good job here to ensure good treatment to these people. I would like to make only one request through the media that this practice continues every year. This is my request to the government and all the organisers.
How responsible do you feel about this initiative?
I feel excited. Because I come from a small town. I am the son of teachers. I had no exposure to movies or advertising in my family. So, I know how much it would have helped me in my struggle if I had got this kind of exposure. So I understand its importance very well. If I had got this kind of exposure, my career path would have been faster. The time taken to locate things would have been reduced. And I would have had a much more body of work than I could have managed.
How do you balance the bridge between the film industry and the CBFC?
It’s a tight rope to walk on. Because you can’t keep everyone happy. There is social responsibility on one side and creative sensitivity on the other. As I said in the forum, it can be handled only from the point of view of dialogue. The most important thing for a filmmaker or a creative person is to have a connection with his audience. There should be that trust and confidence in the audience. It is important to understand that we need to balance this. One cannot say that I have expressed myself, the rest I do not know. It’s important to know that you have to respect the shareholders when you’re looking for a wallet share.
Do you think modern filmmakers are becoming irresponsible?
I would not say that filmmakers are irresponsible. It is a collective process where you see that the creative product is going to be consumed by the audience in the society. So, it goes hand in hand where even the filmmakers want to say something but they also need to understand the changing mood of the society. Society is not stable. You can’t argue that society was like this 4 years ago but why can’t I say so today? Please understand that we are living in a throbbing reality, which is constantly evolving. Whether you like it or not, things keep changing.
From the experience you have gained over the years, what do you think about the following question? Does life imitate art or does art imitate life?
It is both ways. This is not a one-way traffic. You cannot say that art will come and society will change. I think art takes and gives from the society. Does society learn from movies? Yes. Does film learn from society? Yes. Both processes happen simultaneously. Let us not think that films are independent of society. When we say ‘society’, films are part of it. So, if you think movies are some third entity, no.
Then why is cinema blamed for so many things that are wrong with the society?
Do not blame. Relationships happen (no blame. Relationships happen). There is also a relationship with cinema. You ask your relatives or friends questions like, ‘Why did you tell me that?’, right? Society should also continue to communicate. And that’s what they are doing with cinema as well.
What about the draft new law shared between industry and the government?
It is under discussion. Nothing has gone into law. It is out for public opinion and public opinion right now.
,