Look ahead in anger

"Parallel cinema is almost non-existent and subdued within the meaninglessness of commercial cinema. It was a state-sponsored and futile attempt in a country, which cannot afford to entertain the nation. No matter how brilliant you are, you have to generate your own finances. "

by Zubina Ahmed reporting from Kolkata to Sri Lanka Guardian

(January, 16, Kolkata, Sri Lanka Guardian) Outspoken, controversial, brash. He is always in your face and always in the news. Hate him or love him, you can never ignore the charismatic Mahesh Bhatt. For the media, he’s the master of quotable quotes! And for film buffs, he’s the man who made Arth, Woh Lamhe and much more.

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Mahesh Bhatt (born on September 20, 1949), is a prominent Indian film director, producer and screenwriter.Bhatt's early directional career consisted of acclaimed art parallel films, such as Arth, Saaransh, Janam and Naam. He was later the writer of numerous commercial films in a range of film genres, from dramas like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and comedies like Duplicate, though he was mostly recognised for thrillers like Inteha, Jism, Murder and Woh Lamhe.Bhatt is the father of film actress-producer Pooja Bhatt, and co-owner of film production house, Vishesh Films.
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Recently you walked out of Jhoom India after a spat with contestant Sanjivani.

Controversies have become synonymous with reality shows. Clashes and tiffs are unavoidable, especially when it’s a competition that involves singers. Sanjivani’s performance wasn’t up to the mark and so Shabana (Azmi) pointed out her faults. Soon, the contestants were implying that jury members were biased. They weren’t rude towards me. But some of the contestants were rude towards Shabana and music composer Anandji. They forget he knows more about music than anybody else on the show. I had to put my foot down.

Is the issue dead?

Well, as I said, reality shows are action-packed dramas, loaded with tears, arguments and controversies. There is so much passion and tension involved in it that, at times, judges end up fighting amongst themselves and at times our comments leave participants fuming. What happened is an example of what I’m trying to say. It was just like another quarrel in the family. The issue is dated.

Do you think controversies help to improve TRP?

Controversies, in a way, prove to be profitable. News gets circulated better, TRPs shoot up, etc. But again a film or a reality show cannot be expected to run on controversies alone.

Let’s now focus on Mahesh Bhatt, the director. Most of your films are inspired by personal life.

Cinema mirrors human experience in all its shades. To be specific, most of my films are not autobiographical, but only the ones that have established my brand identity. After four of my films, which revolved around plots provided by others, flopped, I decided to relate my own stories. And I was successful. That’s why I am obsessed with making people aware of the need to tell their own tales. It is only personal stories that will see one through the harsh, unforgiving world of entertainment. Further, when you make films, which are real, they evoke a response in the viewer. Narrating my own experiences is better than working with a manufactured tale or a work of imagination.

You don’t want to be boxed into any genre of filmmaking.

I always say, when my obituary is written, I’ll be described as ‘a controversial filmmaker famous for his autobiographical films’.

You have strong views on Indian “commercial” cinema.

It’s going downhill. It’s emotionally and intellectually timid and spiritually bankrupt. Movies are nothing but an extension of your thoughts and the life you lead. Indians, of late, have not taken a stand on anything that is real. In the 21st century films cannot revolve around, to put it bluntly, getting a woman laid. It should look beyond that. Love and passion, of course, do have a place in films but it’s within the context of the world we live in. Unless you have portions of the real world reflected in films, they will be empty and meaningless. Our cinema is not relevant to the lives we lead and doesn’t have an enduring quality. It needs to be rescued from some practitioners, who are described as moguls of the industry. Personally, I appreciate the directorial venture of Aamir Khan. I’m sure his movies would provide the industry a boost.

And parallel cinema?

Parallel cinema is almost non-existent and subdued within the meaninglessness of commercial cinema. It was a state-sponsored and futile attempt in a country, which cannot afford to entertain the nation. No matter how brilliant you are, you have to generate your own finances. People like Satyajit Ray, however, made good films without depending too much on others.

You have launched many newcomers.

What I look for in any person is passion and honesty. These two qualities can invent a perfectionist.

Which are your favourite films and why?

That’s a difficult choice. Zakhm is definitely closest to my heart. Bitterly personal and brave in its indictment of Hindu fundamentalism, Zakhm provided a creative high in my career and it got critical applause, rave reviews, awards, and most importantly it was a tribute to my mother.

Future projects.

Showbiz, directed by Raju Khan. It’ll dwell on issues such as casting couch, spycams, camera phones, and sting operations. Rahul Roy will essay a character who’s an insensitive media baron, without qualms. He likes to encroach on the private lives of celebrities.