Hello and Welcome to a special interview for The Children’s Post of India. The Children’s Post of India is an exclusive children’s newspaper read by almost 5 lakh children over 60 countries daily. I am Mohd. Omar Malik and my guest today is a famous Indian filmmaker known and appreciated for making films of different genres from romantic dramas like ‘Tum Bin’ to social awakening films like ‘Article 15’, ‘Mulk’ and ‘Thappad’. His movie ‘Ra One’ is a big children’s favorite including me. The famous personality has received numerous awards in recognition to his hard work and talent in the film industry. His successful carrier in the film industry is more than my age and in fact he does not need an introduction. Joining me now is Mr. Anubhav Sinha for his maiden interview to any young journalist.
First of all, I would like thank you sir for being a part of this conversation
Thanks for having me Omar.
1) What inspired you to become a filmmaker, sir?
I was growing up in a society where we did not have many options to choose our careers. I worked as an engineer for one and half years but I was not happy with what I was doing. Though I would not recommend it to today’s young generation, I quit my job. Then, I spent one year exploring the other opportunities and slowly realized that I wanted to make films. It was very raw within me when I recognized it and since then many other things have also inspired me more and more.
2) Sir, what, in your opinion, is the most important quality of a film director?
I keep telling youngsters that the most important quality of a filmmaker is his/her will to tell stories which should always be strong. According to me, filmmakers are those who find stories in everything and everyone. Be it in their daily lives, in their relationships, in strangers. A good filmmaker is one who can find these stories and convey it effectively.
3) How did you get the idea of Ra One, sir?
I was once watching a commercial on the T.V in which a child was a controlling a man through a remote. I found that to be very fascinating. That was the foundational germ of the movie with a character in life who a child could control. That is how I thought of a video game and the character coming out of the video game.
4) Everywhere we come across people whose ideas differ from ours and those who criticize us. Specially in the film industry. How do you deal with criticism and with people whose opinions are different?
You know people’s opinions are meant to be different. They are different people, they grow up differently, they read different books and their opinions are shaped by that. I have always appreciated constructive criticism. In fact, I always give out my scripts to a whole lot of friends before I shoot it. I then receive lots of point of views on that film and then I go through them. Some of them are appealing enough to be incorporated. But I always look forward to them as they are very helpful to me.
5) Sir, you are known to complete the shooting of your films within a short span of time. Like ‘Tum Bin’ in 27 days, ‘Mulk’ in 32 days and ‘Thappad’ in 31 days. What is the secret behind it?
Oh! Teamwork and preparation. We sit together much before the shoot for a discussion and plan of action. It is the filmmaker’s job to be able to see the film in their mind before it is made and then share the film with the whole team. If I can do that then we do not waste time talking and thinking but execute. It is always my effort to show the film to my team before it is made as effectively and as lucidly as possible.
6) I know, while doing my homework on you, that you try and read an article from the constitution of India every day. Why?
You know when our nation became independent it got its constitution. It is the set of rules by which a person living in the society conducts themselves. We as citizens of our country should know those rules. Sometimes it is very difficult to comprehend the articles but I still try it daily and get fair sense about what this country was meant to be.
7) Sir, What next for Mr. Anubhav Sinha. Is there any children’s movie in your cart?
No, not yet. I know my next 4 movies and it is not yet. My next movie, Anekh, also talks about the society. I have a lot to say and convey to the society now and I am using the medium available.
8) Sir, You have had 55 years of experience in life and what is the best advice you can give to the young generation?
Read and watch. Know about your country. There is a lot to be known and appreciated of how our nation was built. What went into the freedom of it. You, youngsters have to take it forward and for that you should know the journey till now. Then only will you people decide how to take that forward.
So, this brings us to the end of our discussion. Thanks a lot for your precious time and your work, sir. It was a very joyful moment sitting with you today.
Thanks a lot Omar. Same here.