Transcripts-2: March 2007

Friday, March 9, 2007

Shankar

'Whatever affects my mind gets reflected in my films'
Whizkid director Shankar dropped his guard when he appeared on Rediff Chat. The result? A chat that was more like a conversation between him and his legion of fans, about him and his films, rather than just a Q & A session.

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:1 IST)
Good evening, everyone.

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Mehta (Tue Dec 28 1999 7:59 IST)
Do you agree that the Hindi version of Jeans suffered because of the publicity which did not give the true picture of the film, paintiung it as a youthful romace when infact it was a comedy of twin proportions?

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:9 IST)
Mehta: So many people from Bombay also said the same thing. The important aspect of the film was not highlighted, yes. But I really couldn't find the real reason because some remake films from Tamil do well and some do not. Some dubbed versions do well and some do not. It is vice versa from Hindi also. Nayakan did not do well in Hindi but Thevar Magan did well. Yes, Jeans did not do well. If something is there in the film, it will run definitely. But It did well all over south India.

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balajiii (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:3 IST)
Vanakkam Shankar

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:11 IST)
balaji: Vanakkam Balaji! Thanks for Tamil vanakkam!

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Congress (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:5 IST)
Shankar, Why did'nt Jeans win the Oscars?

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:18 IST)
congress: What can you do, Congress? Somebody else did a better job than me (Rhere may be some politics, 'Congress'!?)!

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Madhavan (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:14 IST)
Shanker, you have made 2 love movies, and there are literally hundreds of love movies made in Tamil every year. Yet we always get the same story (including your movies) where hero and heroine fall in love face an obscacle (parents). Why is it so hard for filmmakers to come up with a different love story? I know if the directors spend some time thinking they can come up with one. So why don't they, instead of recycling the same old story?

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:20 IST)
Madhavan: Have you seen my new film Mudalvan? The chief-minister-for-one-day story is, I am sure, a new concept which nobody has done before.

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balajiii (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:13 IST)
Padalgalae illatha padam edukkum ennam ullatha..?

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:22 IST)
balaji: Padalkale illathe padam pakkum ennam ungalukku ullatha?

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speilberg (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:20 IST)
Shankar do n't u think u can low make budget movies which win the heart & the box office (Fazil's varusham 16, kadalukku mariadai etc)

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:30 IST)
Speilberg: Why are you worried about the budget? What is important to me is that people should enjoy my films. I am able to excite you people only because of the big budget. Otherwise, I would not have been able to give new concepts to Tamil cinema like the Muqqabal song, seven wonders, a big trafficjam (mudalvan) and a 76-year-old man's make-up for Kamal Haasan in Indian and double action excitement and the skeleton dance in Jeans, etc etc. With the big budget, you as the viewers are benefitted the most. If you people keep on asking me about big budgets, I will start showing cow dung, neem trees, same old places....

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balajiii (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:10 IST)
Will plane hijack be the concept for your next film..?

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:33 IST)
balaji: See, like you, the same idea might have crossed the minds of many people. So how can I make a film on the theme which flashes in the mind of many?

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mani (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:32 IST)
Shankar why this anti-establishment angst in all ur movies, is it a reflection of ur early days or is it just a source of making a hit out of the movie

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:40 IST)
mani: It is defiitely a reflection of my experiences from my earlier days. Whatever I have seen, whatever I have heard, whatever I have suffered, whatever I have gone through, whatever affected my mind gets reflected in my films.

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Ruchi (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:37 IST)
According to rumours the dinosaur in Jeans was lifted from Jurrassic Park? Your Humble View, Sirji?

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:43 IST)
Ruchi: Certainly not. It was Mr Venky's (the special effects supervisor) creation. The inspiration is from Jurassic Park.

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rajia (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:37 IST)
I heard you are planning to make a mega movie in Hollywood Is it true Mr.Shankar

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:45 IST)
rajia: Yes, people are approaching me. But I have not yet made up my mind. I am waiting for a signal from my mind!

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mani (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:37 IST)
Shankar hollywoodie kallaka oru thamizan vendamma (Manoj knight shyamalan a malayalee -The sixth sense)

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:47 IST)
mani: Whether he is a Tamilian or a Malayalee, an Indian has achieved something in Hollywood. Be proud!

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Madhavan (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:30 IST)
Shanker, you want your films to be send messages about corruption (which you should be applauded for). But the solutions always seems to be to beat corruption you have to kill people. This was the solution in Gentleman, Indian and Mudhalvan. Do you think this is a good message to send to the young people, instead of beat corruption with legal action?

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:1 IST)
madhavan: If you go deep into my films, you will find that I try to kill corruption and not the villain!

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mani (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:55 IST)
Shankar kaadalicha anubhavam unda

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:3 IST)
mani: Undu. Yeappa! Kalyanam aayiruchu. Ippa poyi inda kelvi ellam kelkaringe?

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kumar (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:43 IST)
hi, shankar! you are one among the heros in tamil film industry where people come to see the movie for the name of directors.But, I see in all your movies you are involving a old man & a political concept. are you affected by anyway on these two??

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:5 IST)
kumar: That's a big 'blade!' are you ready to listen?

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mani (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:44 IST)
thank u Shankar, is it possible to make a hit out of a goody goody movie in tamil (say the one's like hum apke hai kaun, Hum saath Saath Hain etc. where there is no villian no crime, yet we feel good after the movie)

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:9 IST)
mani: Of course, you can.

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rajia (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:6 IST)
Shankar why all your car numbers are 8. Because everybody say eight is no good, but you likes that

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:13 IST)
raji: I hate superstitions. That is why I have taken the number 8 deliberately! I wanted to find out whether the number 8 is really bad. But it did not do any harm to me. I am well-to-do!

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Ruchi (Tue Dec 28 1999 8:46 IST)
How are the Seven wonders of the world? Good?

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:16 IST)
Ruchi: That was the most exciting experience of my life. It will remain with me forever.

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mani (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:13 IST)
Thank U ! Is it true that Mudhalvan is a movie which got its inspiration from AP Chief minister Mr.Chandrababu Naidu

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:18 IST)
mani: No

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Ruchii (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:17 IST)
Are you an Indian or Inthian, sirji?

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:19 IST)
Ruchi: For Indians, I am an Indian and for Inthians, I am an Inthian!

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mani (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:7 IST)
Shankar nice to hear U that! Would be seeing a Shankar+Rajni explosion on screen? When?

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:20 IST)
Mani: WHEN??

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mohan (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:14 IST)
hello shankar.. how long u planned for this mudhalvan story...

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:23 IST)
Mohan: Six months.

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Shankar (Tue Dec 28 1999 9:29 IST)
I feel my experience is incomplete because we started late. But I have enjoyed talking to you people. I am sorry I could not answer all the questions. I hope our next chat will be a better experience! Bye and good night. Happy Millennium!

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Shabana Azmi

Intolerance is against the basic grain of Indian culture
The controversy surrounding Water refused to abate. Reporters had been chasing her with questions all day long and she was exhausted. Yet Shabana Azmi decided to spend her evening answering questions on Rediff Chat. And her answers, just like her, were hardhitting and straight to the point.

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:37 IST)
Hi everyone....

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nachiketa (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:35 IST)
Ms Azmi: HAve you shown the script to the UP government?

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:39 IST)
Nachiketa: The procedure is that the film has to be first passed by the ministry of I&B at the centre. It is then suggested that the state government MAY BE consulted. However, the DM Varanasi has been given the script.

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Kirti Verma (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:38 IST)
Ms Azmi, as an artist, what affect do such incidences have on your creativity? Do you think the shoot will begin shortly?

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:42 IST)
Kirti Sharma: I'm hopeful that we should be we should be able to start shooting by day after tomorrow. But the whole process of negoitiation is very draining. I have lost all the concentration that is required for an intense script like Water.

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Kersasp (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:42 IST)
Do you think these so-called defenders of Hinduism have really the interests of Hindusim at heart?

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:43 IST)
Kerasap: Hinduism is a very tolerant, all embracing religion. By indulging in vandalism, the so-called custodians of Hindu religion are actually defiling it. Because vandalism has no place in Hinduism.

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smisra (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:40 IST)
Shabana-ji... when uneducated masses oppose the showing of critical movies or publishing of critical books, one frequent complaint they voice is that "you" are criticizing "our" culture, traditions, history, etc. In this complaint is inherent the feeling of "you" as outside the "us", as not sharing the same culture, and hence... not criticizing from within as perhaps a religious leader or guru would be allowed to do but criticizing from the outside. What do you think of this?

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:47 IST)
Smisra: I'm not sure that the criticism of this script is based on any real feeling of injury, it seems more like an opportunity has been provided to force attention on people who have no other claim to fame. However, I do think that whenever you come out against social injustice, there are some people who become extra-sensitive. In a democracy everybody should have the right to express their views freely, even if it is pure fiction.

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shabani azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:43 IST)
Shabana ji , what is the greatest problem our country is facing today - probably "lesbianism"

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:49 IST)
shabani: The biggest problem our country is facing today is poverty, illiteracy and very poor access to health. But it is very worrying that to these problems is being added the problem of intolerance which is against the basic grain of Indian culture.

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Kirti Verma (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:46 IST)
I read in Rediff that over 110 crew members of the film are just hanging around in Varanasi -- what are the circumstances there. What is the attitude of the locals towards you.

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:51 IST)
Kirti Verma: The local crowds are being hugely supportive, asking us to keep our chins up. Many women's organisations, cultural/student unions have come forward in our support and so we feel heartned that only a small section of people are creating deliberate mischief. But it is very painful to be housebound. I am just looking forward to starting the film. The crew, despite their disappointment, is solidly behind Deepa.

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shabani azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:48 IST)
Shabana ji , if you were offered a film condemning the triple talaq phenomenon in Islam would you do it ?

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:52 IST)
Shabani: Most certainly. I have on record spoken out against triple talaq being unIslamic and leading to the oppression of Muslim women.

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Hallowen (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:50 IST)
Ms Azmi: What you all gain by making such kind of films after all? By highlighting such issues does it make a difference to common man's life who does not have two meals to eat?

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:54 IST)
Hallowen: Any process of art, whether literature or painting or film, uses its medium to create a climate of sensitivity in which it is possible for change to occur. Social attitudes cannot be changed only by legislation and that's why art can be used as an instrument of social change.

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Kirti Verma (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:52 IST)
Ms Azmi, can you elucidate on Deepa Mehta's trip to Delhi after the shooting was halted? What has happened since, what did Arun Jaitley tell her? Was he polite etc?

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:56 IST)
Kirti Verma: Unfortunately, we are still in the dark but still hopeful that, since it was Arun Jaitely's ministry in the first place that gave us the clearance, he will make sure that the shooting proceeds immediately.

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shriram (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:54 IST)
You talk about "Freedom of Expression" what about ban on Nathuram Godse's play?

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:56 IST)
Shriram: I had gone on record both to the press and in Parliament AGAINST the banning of Nathuram Godse.

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smisra (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:54 IST)
Shabana-ji: how would you react to an oppressive system that *was* part of a religiously sanctioned system. For example, suppose hypothetically that it was clear beyond doubt that triple-talaq was *not* un-Islamic, but it is obviously oppressive... how would you react then and how would you reconcile trying to defend the Islamic religion along with criticizing the particular practice supported by the religion?

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:58 IST)
Smisra: In my view, personal laws of ALL religions discriminate against women in matters of inheritance, divorce, marriage and that is why we must work towards a uniform civil code based on GENDER JUSTICE. We need to cull out all the just and equitable laws of all religions to form a blueprint for a common civil code.

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Kirti Verma (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:54 IST)
So Ma'am how are you spending these days there? Reading, planning strategy, meeting people etc... How do you like Varanasi? It is such a historic city. Have you been to Sarnath?

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:1 IST)
Kirti Verma: Varansi to me embodies the true spirit of India, it feels like it lives in several centuries simultaneously. The people of Varansi have been very kind and respectful when I've gone out shopping, etc. There is great respect for my father, Kafi Azmi, since he hails from Azamgarh. But I have been housebound since today, just when I was planning to go to Sarnath :-(

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Princess (Wed Feb 2 19100 6:58 IST)
ms azmi... do you think the protests are politically engineered, against you? after all, everyone knows u r virulently opposed to the bjp's politics....

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:2 IST)
Princess: The opposition to the film started much before people even knew that I was acting in the film. It will be unfair to say that I'm being discriminated against because I have different political views from the BJP.

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Kirti Verma (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:0 IST)
Ms Azmi, another very curious thing here is that none of the film fraternity seems to have come out in support of Water -- why is there such a lack of solidarity from among your kind?

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:4 IST)
Kirti Verma: That's not true. Mahesh Bhatt, Shatrughan Sinha, Amit Khanna and Pahlaj Nihalani, on behalf of their organisations Producers Guild, etc, have come out strongly in our support.

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Aawara (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:9 IST)
Hi Shabanaji, what is the relevance of the film WATER in this millenium considering that it's a period film and whatever the sensitive issues it's touching.

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:9 IST)
Awaara: Although much has happened in terms of women's progress in the last 50 years, nobody can deny that we have a long way to go. According to recent report edited by Martha Chen, the incidence of mortality in widows is 85 % MORE than in married women of the same age. Isn't that something we need to think about??? I invite you to go and visit some of the present widows' homes, not only in Benares but in all parts of India and then decide whether the custom of discriminating against them still exists or not.

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Ms Shabana Azmi (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:9 IST)
Bye, everyone

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Nandita Das

'If one closes one's eyes, do you really think the reality vanishes?'
Exteremley vivacious, full of life and a great sense of humour are just some of the admirable qualities that this young actress possesses. Even when the 'hot seat' got too hot, Nandita Das kept her cool and soon had everyone toeing the line.

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:29 IST)
Hi, everybody! I'm here on the hot seat. Shoot your questions.

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coolmirchi (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:12 IST)
now what happens to water

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:32 IST)
Coolmirchi: Well, we are all keeping our fingers crossed and I suggest you do the same. Let's hope for the best! By tomorrow morning, you'll know the verdict. Is paar ya us paar!

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NanditaFan (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:33 IST)
Hi Nandita, I liked u r role in FIRE very much in which u come out a strong lady with clear choices/opinions about every aspect of u r life(of course, the sexual preferencetoo!). But in EARTH u were like many of those typical Hindi film heroines who r nothing but object of desire for the heroes. I DIDN'T like u one bit in EARTH. I like the attitude u projected in FIRE and that's Y I'm u r fan.

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:33 IST)
NanditaFan: Thanks for being so frank! But, you know, sometimes one selects a film not just because of the role but because of what the film is trying to say. And if you believe in that, then you want to be part of the project. I have no regrets but thanks anyways.

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kss (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:33 IST)
nandita how u feel after cut the hair?

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:36 IST)
kss: I think I went through all the possible emotions that one could have possibly gone through from nervousness to looking like a teaboy to now feeling quite libertated! I love touching my head, standing under the shower and by the way I'm saving a loot of WATER!!!

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Prashant (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:34 IST)
Hi nandita.Don't you think Deepa Mehta has crossed a lot of boundries with her movies?Don't you think somethings are better kept unspoken?

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:44 IST)
Prashant: If one closes one's eyes, do you really think the reality vanishes? I think it's time that we faced the truth around us and be more honest to oursleves and above all be courageous. After all, aren't films supposed to be a reflection or a slice of life? So, come on, be brave and encourage us to do films that have some meaning! Do you agree? Write back if you do! And if you don't, I'll understand :-)

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shrm (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:43 IST)
Do you support ban on Satanic Veres, Nathuram Godse's play, Sixth Sacred Wound play on Christ ????????????

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:46 IST)
shrm: I am all for freedom of expression because I do not undermine the intelligence of the reader/audience. I'm sure they will decide what they want to see or what they like on their own. And maybe that will encourage more self-censorship instead of a second person wanting to decide for others everytime.

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Moonface (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:45 IST)
Hi Nandita, I think you really are a good actress. Can you imagine all your three film with Deepa Mehta met with some problems. by now you must have got used to thisor have you?

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:52 IST)
Moonface: Just when I thought I had got used to it, BINGO!!! They are trying stop us from even beginning our shoot. Now that's something I'm definitely not used to, it's like banning a book before it's even written.

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himanshu (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:51 IST)
Ms Nandita: Are people of benares supporting your cause? i believe some mahant is supporting your cause?

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:57 IST)
Himanshu: Yes. Isn't that great that there are a lot of people who are supporting not just the cause of Water but the larger cause of freedom of expression. Many support groups, students, just anybody and everybody have been coming to us as individuals and as groups to show their solidarity. Thank God for them. The mahant, Dr Kulpati Tiwari, was very supportive progressive and encouraging... though he had his own special way of doing that.

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jyoti (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:56 IST)
Ms Nandita: Do you believe in lesbiniasm? also, what is the point in criticizing our own religion?

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:2 IST)
Jyoti: There is nothing about believing or not believing, it's just something that exists. Period! I would rather believe in the philosophy of live and let live. As long as nobody is harming anybody, let's be concerned about more pressing matters in the country. In any case, it has nothing to do with religion, and has been there from time immemorial. I think it's better not to be too judgemental and decide for others based on our own individual conditioning. Wouldn't this world then be a better place to live?

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NanditaFan (Wed Feb 2 19100 7:59 IST)
I've got a feeling that Deepa Mehta is trying to pass judgments on Hindu religion by raking up senseless forgotten issues in WATER. Some bad memories r better to be forgotten rather than analyze them at a time when we've to move forward? What's u r opinion on this.

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:7 IST)
NanditaFan: There are various good and bad things in our religion, culture, country, world , family... US! I think to reflect, to have constructive criticism, to question, to stimulate our minds is not such a bad thing. I have recently seen a widows' home here in Benares which is in an appalling condition. So it's not just about 1930s. Many such things still exist, it's just a matter of opening your eyes and mind. In any case, nobody even knows the script of Water, why are you presupposing that it is against our religion or that it is bringing out only the negativities of our history?

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debasish (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:5 IST)
Hi nandita, I am a fan of your simple look with great appeal in your eyes and the powerful acting. I want to know something about you and your forthcoming films.

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:13 IST)
Debashish: Thanks 0:-)... ;-).... Unfortunately, I do pretty small films, which half the time nobody gets to see. That's my fate!! I've just finished a Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali film. I have also just done a film with Shyam Benegal called Hari Bhari and at the moment I'm still shooting for Rakesh Mehra's Aks (working title), the one with THE BACHCHAN. There's one about AIDS called Ek Alag Mausam and Saanwari (working title), a film on a rape victim's struggle for justice... Let's see how long I last.

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Nandita (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:11 IST)
So what is the connection between "widows" and "Benares" - if Water is meant to show the plight of "Widows" why can't it be shot somewhere else

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:16 IST)
Nandita: There were many widows' homes in Benares because of which Deepa was inspired to set it here. It is an amazing city so why not? Of course, it could be shot in place X. Then don't you think you would ask why only place X? And why not Y? Do you think such questions can ever end? Let's leave some things to the discretion of the creators.

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NoMovieBuff (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:16 IST)
Allrighto, Ms Das. Moonface is distressed that I'm asking the wrong questions, so here's a polite one: you've got the looks for conventional cinema - I'd say you've much in common with Kajol - so why aren't you acting in some?

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:21 IST)
NoMoviebuff: I'm not at all opposed to doing films from any genre as long as I can relate to them. None of the commercial offers that have come to me have excited me as yet. Maybe if a good fun comedy, which is more on the lines of satire, and situational comedy, as opposed to slipping on the banana peel, comes to me then I will surely GO FOR IT *running fast towards the role and slipping on a banana peel*

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NanditaFan (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:18 IST)
Why r u avoinding this questions asked by many fans here? How do u react when somebody says u r "HOT". I'd definitely say that's my compliment to u! And u've proved that u don't have to apply tons of makeup to look sensual. U r one of the few to be born with that inborn quality

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:27 IST)
NanditaFan: I'm not avoiding, just trying to be modest *blushing and all that*. In any case, I don't know what's the definition of hot. If it means being really warm, waRM, WARMMMM, then, at the risk of NOW being immodest, I must say I'm a reasonably Warmmmmmm person. And if you meant being cool... hey, why don't you only tell me what is it to be hot before I confuse you further or, for that matter, get confused myself!

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sohan (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:23 IST)
Benares is definitely not famous for illicit prostitution. So I wonder the place which Ms. Mehta chose. She could had found place next to her home in Canada itself. Can you imagine what impression a foreigner would make about Benares, if a person doesn't know anything about Benares at all. I think someone should sue Ms. Mehta. It is easy things getting approved by the "clerks" in the ministries using money power. I know the same way they can buy the protestant too. But is this fair?

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:30 IST)
Sohan: Whatever gave you the idea that Water is about prostitution? It has no kothas, no titillating dances, no skin... Why not have just a little bit of patience and watch the film and decide then. I don't think you are being fair to us with these preconcieved ideas.

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sohan (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:31 IST)
Why doesn't Ms. Mehta and you get into "soft porn" business? It would fetch lots of money. The market for indian soft porn must be an easy bet?

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sohan (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:34 IST)
Thanks Ms. Das for your reply to my question. But I have seen both "Fire" and "Earth", and me and most of my friends were not impressed. It had nothing more to say that other similar movies except for a few "scenes". If you think you are talented, then do you think your talent is being utilised properly by Ms. Mehta? Or Ms. Mehta is merely exploiting you, just as the prostitutes in your movie were exploited once.

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Dinesh Gill (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:31 IST)
What are ur views on "nudity"? Should it be allowed in India. And would u have sex on camera if ur characters requires it

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:41 IST)
Dinesh/Sohan: It's really sad that the only scene that remained in your minds in both Fire and Earth were the intimate scenes. Considering both the films were about very pertinent questions of life and human behaviour, you chose to only think about I guess what interested YOU. I think any scene or shot cannot be judged by itself, but by what it's trying to portray and what signal it's trying to give. For instance, a rape scene can be shot in a way to titillate or can be shown in a way that it disgusts you and makes you feel shameful. So the scene by itself is not good or bad, but it becomes that by what its meant to do to the audience. I guess we all take different things from a film, depending on our interests and need. As far as nudity is concerned, I will not be comfortable with it purely because of my conditioning and inhibitions. But I wouldn't judge somebody on the basis of that. May I ask you if you think zooming into cleavages and showing bums and belly buttons of women is part of our s-called Indian culture? How come hundreds of films this nature are not questioned? I guess it is all subjective because my sensibilities as a human being and as a woman are offended. Sorry for the long bhashan, didn't mean to preach but just to share one's views. I guess, again, it's all about intentions. And, SOHAN, if it was all about "fetching money," then don't you think I would be doing some of "those" films? As all, the money lies there and not in one obscure Kannada, Bengali or Shyam Benegal film.

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bhishma (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:40 IST)
Ms. Das, forget about politics, let us do some heart to heart talk. Have you ever had relationship with a woman? fire style

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:42 IST)
Bhishma: Not yet!

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rohan (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:42 IST)
Well Nandita I feel..the common man in India knows very well that its the game of Politicians to increase hatred on sensitive issues..like for eg, the Shiv Sena gained political milage with breaking down glass panes and demolishing posters of Fire..same thing is happening with Fire, but this time its the sang parivar in U.P. Those who feel its bad don't watch it, stay at home no ones forcing you, we live in India a free country let the remainign half who are interested watch it. We don't want the politicians to dictate whats good and bad for us.

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:43 IST)
Rohan, it's because of people like you that we are still sticking it out! Thanks!

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:46 IST)
There will always be all kinds of people in this world, like our Rohan and Sohan! I guess that's what makes life so interesting. So let's live and let others live! I don't mean to ignore Bhishma, Dinesh Gill and other nicks who made this chat very HOT

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Ms Nandita Das (Wed Feb 2 19100 8:47 IST)
Bye everyone... till we chat again

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Shyam Benegal

The Shyam Benegal Chat

Whether it was the Husain issue or the manner in which his films were denied a proper theatrical release, Shyam Benegal was frank and full of insight.
The director -- whose latest film The Making of the Mahatma chronicles the transformation of M K Gandhi from genial lawyer to the most extraordinary leader of men this century has known -- walked into our office half an hour before the Chat, and then settled down to acquaint himself with the wonders of the Net.

He has promised to be back sometime soon.

p alex (Wed Oct 9 09:52:18 1996 IST):

Is Mr Benegal in?

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Nikhil Lakshman (Wed Oct 9 09:54:01 1996 IST):
Good Morning, Mr Benegal. It is wonderful to have you on the Rediff Chat. It is very kind of you to find time to chat. We hope you enjoy the experience.

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Nidhi (Wed Oct 9 09:55:34 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal, how did you get the idea to make the film 'Making of the Mahatma'

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sparky (Wed Oct 9 09:55:45 1996 IST):
Hi everyone.

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Nidhi (Wed Oct 9 09:56:42 1996 IST):
Hey, Mr Lakshman, where is Mr Benegal?

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B K Karnad (Wed Oct 9 09:57:12 1996 IST):
Shyam, kashe aas tu? Hoshar aasve? It's good to speak some aamchi gele. Mine's very rusty though, as I am sure your's is. Good to chat with you this morning. So what vare you up to these days? From the write-up, I believe you made a film on Gandhiji. Do you believe you can hontesly better Gandhi by Attenborough?

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Bharat D (Wed Oct 9 09:57:48 1996 IST):
Hi Mr Benegal, what was the response to your latest film -Making of the Mahatma?

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Bharat D (Wed Oct 9 09:59:04 1996 IST):
What other films are you working on now?

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Sekhar (Wed Oct 9 09:59:07 1996 IST):
Hello Mr.Benegal, What are your views on Gandhiji's vegetarianism?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 09:59:33 1996 IST):
Hi Nidhi: Professor Fatmia Meer a sociologist from South Africa wrote a book called 'The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma' this dealt with 21 years that Gandhi spend in South Africa a most crucial period in his life that lead to his personal transformation, as well as helped him to create his philosophy. It seemed like a very exciting story to tell on film.

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J Madhavan (Wed Oct 9 10:00:09 1996 IST):
Good morning, Mr Benegal. How you doing this evening, or should that be this morning? When I lived in India I used to see a lot of art films. Now I hear the movement is dead. Why? Does the NFDC not bankroll good films anymore? Have they gone the way of other government organisations?

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sparky (Wed Oct 9 10:00:40 1996 IST):
Mr. Benegal, which, in your opinion, is the best film that's ever been made?

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Nidhi (Wed Oct 9 10:00:57 1996 IST):
Thanks Mr Benegal for replying my question.

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Sekhar (Wed Oct 9 10:01:05 1996 IST):
Mr.Benegal Will you ever consider making a film with Amitabh Bachchan provided money and time are not constraints for him and you?

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B K Karnad (Wed Oct 9 10:01:22 1996 IST):
It's been what 23 years since Ankur. You have made some good films, some awful filmns. Which film have you found deeply satisfying?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:01:47 1996 IST):
B K Karnad: Hanv Hushar assa. It's not a competition between me and Attenborough. His story primarily deals with the Mahatma taking India to freedom. My story is about Gandhi's personal transformation.

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Bharat D (Wed Oct 9 10:01:56 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal, I'm just curious to know how you select subjects for your films?

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Bharat D (Wed Oct 9 10:01:57 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal, I'm just curious to know how you select subjects for your films?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:02:17 1996 IST):
Hell Sekhar: The answer is yes.

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B Ram Gopal (Wed Oct 9 10:03:06 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal, Good Day. Why do film-makers like your goodself portray such a depressing view of India? is there nothing upbeat in your vision of our country?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:03:13 1996 IST):
Bharat D: Part instinct, part inspiration, part concern, part subject matter.

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Sekhar (Wed Oct 9 10:03:14 1996 IST):
Mr. Benegal,What according to you is the quality of the Mahatma that made him stand out among a galaxy of world class leaders?

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J Madhavan (Wed Oct 9 10:03:44 1996 IST):
Adoor Gopalakrishnan, rather than you, has grabbed Ray's mantle. How come you lost out?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:04:23 1996 IST):
Dear Ram Gopal: You have not seen enough of my films. I'm a natural optimist, there is nothing depressing in either my films or my own make-up.

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:05:06 1996 IST):
Dear Madhavan: I didn't know that Adoor and I were running a race.

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Bharat D (Wed Oct 9 10:05:15 1996 IST):
You've worked with many good performers on the Indian screen, who are the ones you would rate as excellent?

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B K Karnad (Wed Oct 9 10:05:19 1996 IST):
Thank you, Shyam. Good to know you haven't forgotten your roots as yet! You will be 62, this December. Do you feel satisfied with the way you have led your life. What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:06:09 1996 IST):
Sekhar: Transperancy, honesty and unrelenting seeking for social justice and an iron will.

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Raghunath (Wed Oct 9 10:06:11 1996 IST):
Which film would you rate as your best film ?

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Nidhi (Wed Oct 9 10:06:55 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal do you agree with the fact that all the people associated with films are hypocrties. They just put a question mark to the society by making films. Instead of doing some ground level work? Why don't you join politics and become Mahatma of the 21st century?

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Sekhar (Wed Oct 9 10:07:00 1996 IST):
Mr.Benegal,I read in "THE HINDU " a few months back that Gandhiji used to lie alongside naked women to test his powers of "BRAHMACHARYA".Do you think that this info is true and if yes what are yoiur opinions?

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Bharat D (Wed Oct 9 10:07:47 1996 IST):
What are the frustrations faced by directors like you while making films in India?

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J Madhavan (Wed Oct 9 10:08:10 1996 IST):
Why is that your films don't get a proper theatrical release anymore? I think Mandi was the last film that got the release it deserved. I was in India for sometime these last three years and I could not get even one of your films. Not Satvan ka Ghoda. Not the one that Khalid Mohammad wrote. What's going on? Is it because there's no audience for your kind of films? Or is the thetrical circuit controlled by the Bollywood types?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:08:33 1996 IST):
BK Karnad: I don't think in terms of dissapointments because there are bound to be many dissapointments in ones life . My greatest satisfaction comes from the fact that whatever work I've done has been done to the best of my ability, even if the work sometimes turned out to be mediocre.

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Bharat D (Wed Oct 9 10:09:12 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal, what is the next film that you are working on?

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Purvi Ghosh (Wed Oct 9 10:09:48 1996 IST):
Mr. Benegal, when i was in India i use to watch all kinds of films (parellel and commercial), but one thing always came to my mind films are for the people, then why is that ur kind of films only appeal to a small section of people and not the masses?

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B Ram Gopal (Wed Oct 9 10:09:57 1996 IST):
I disagree, Mr Benegal, but I will let that pass. I don't dispute your calibre as a fil-maker. You are up in the pantheon, but I feel too many of your arty types make these kind of films to win awards? Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Aravindan, those Bengali types.

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 10:10:03 1996 IST):
Mr. Benegal, I had an opportunity to see your "SURAJ..." in Vancouver FF in 93. And on this sunday I saw your "MAHATMA..." at The FF. Though this time we wre not fortunate to see you in person. Colud you have Visited Vancouver this season? I loved both the films. With suraj I felt as if I was reading Dr. Bharti"s book and Mahatma was very eye oppening for me. The show was a sold out on both the days. I could not get ticket on friday and had to go back to see it on sunay. Thanks for such a marvalouse tret Mr Benagal

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Raghunath (Wed Oct 9 10:10:25 1996 IST):
Mr.Benegal, which film would you rate as the one with the least number of mistakes.

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Sekhar (Wed Oct 9 10:11:01 1996 IST):
Mr. Benegal,You havnt answered my question on the Mahatmas experiments with brahmacharya?

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B K Karnad (Wed Oct 9 10:11:25 1996 IST):
Do you watch conventional Hindi cinema? re there any directors that you admire? Is there any Hindi film you have seen in the recent past that has impressed you with its content?

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Raghunath (Wed Oct 9 10:12:13 1996 IST):
Mr.Benegal, which film of yours would you rate as the one with the least number of mistakes.

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J Madhavan (Wed Oct 9 10:12:41 1996 IST):
Mr B, I just read that there is a controversy about Husain in Mumbai. What do you attribute for this fanaticism that has crept into Indian society? Having made a film on the Mahatma, do you think his message, his credo has been consigned to the dustbin of Indian history?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:12:46 1996 IST):
J Madhavan: The theartrical curcuit is controlled by cartels. There are demands for full rentals in advance. It is with great difficulty that small budget pictures get any kind of distribution in the present setup. It's easier to get on to television, which is precisely what happpened with my last three films after a very limited release.

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Purvi Ghosh (Wed Oct 9 10:13:36 1996 IST):
Mr. Benegal u have not answered my question , can u tell me why is this gap betweeen parllel and commercial?

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B K Karnad (Wed Oct 9 10:13:48 1996 IST):
Madhavan, I agree. I believe idealism lies in us Indians abroad. Wheneve I go home, I am taken aback by the cynicism, the shallowness that exists in Indian society. Do you agree with me, Shyam?

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Sekhar (Wed Oct 9 10:14:00 1996 IST):
Mr.Benegal,I think that the Mahatmas biggest quality was that he left behind a number of leaders who would carry on his work.I mean his personality never stifled leadership qualities in others.What do you think?

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Michelle (Wed Oct 9 10:15:23 1996 IST):
Hello Mr Benegal, it is a pleasure to be talking to you. I know your film Making of the Mahatma has been released, what will your next film be?

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Michelle (Wed Oct 9 10:15:23 1996 IST):
Hello Mr Benegal, it is a pleasure to be talking to you. I know your film Making of the Mahatma has been released, what will your next film be?

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J Madhavan (Wed Oct 9 10:15:35 1996 IST):
How has the Mahatma film done? Why don't you release your films on Star? If Bachchan can get his films on the Star netowrk, why not your films which are so wellk crafted?

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Purvi Ghosh (Wed Oct 9 10:15:38 1996 IST):
Mr. benegal please answer my question

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Sekhar (Wed Oct 9 10:15:52 1996 IST):
Mr. B,Please give us a sketch of Smita Patil as a person.

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:17:24 1996 IST):
Madhavan: Political parties seem to think that the most potent motivating symbols are religious ones, they use this for their own purposes - in this case elections in Uttar PPradesh by elections in Maharashtra and Mdhya Pradesh and so on . Hussain has now been made a convinient target. The cynism that is behind actions like these is terrible,. But I believe that this is temporary and Gandhi, since reprents some of the most fundamental of ideas that guide our people will make a return.

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Michelle (Wed Oct 9 10:17:27 1996 IST):
Who according to you are the best actors/actresses on the Indian screen?

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B K Karnad (Wed Oct 9 10:17:32 1996 IST):
How was it working in South Africa? I believe it is a lawless country? Did you meet Mandela?

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Sekhar (Wed Oct 9 10:18:52 1996 IST):
Mr B,What made you cast Rajit kapoor in two of your films-Suraj...and mahatma?

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B Ram Gopal (Wed Oct 9 10:19:09 1996 IST):
Were you an adherent of Gandhi's philosophy or did you just make this film because it came your way? I believe you are now working with Jabbar Patel on a film on Ambeadkar?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:19:40 1996 IST):
Michelle: My next film has already been made it is called Sardari Begum and will be released in India in November .

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J Madhavan (Wed Oct 9 10:19:47 1996 IST):
What in your opinion has led to India becoming what it is today?

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B Ram Gopal (Wed Oct 9 10:20:33 1996 IST):
Do you plan to retire sometime?

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Michelle (Wed Oct 9 10:21:13 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal, who according to you are the other great Indian directors?

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Purvi Ghosh (Wed Oct 9 10:21:16 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal u have not answered my first ques. but i would like to ask u what do u think about the Indain actresses are ther any good actresses in the conventional cinema too, or our list ends at a few like Smita, Shabana who have featured in most of ur ventures( of late Pallvi Joshi too)

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 10:21:53 1996 IST):
Mr. Benegal some months ago a friend of mine wrote me from Bombay saying that you are working on a film called 'THUMRI" in fact she has done a dance piece in that film. Please tell us more about this film and where i can see this film?

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Raghunath (Wed Oct 9 10:22:05 1996 IST):
i heard that sardari begum has a few steamy scenes

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Naren (Wed Oct 9 10:22:07 1996 IST):
Hello Mr Benegal ? How would you rate Martin Scorcesse and Kurosawa as your peers ?

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Sekhar (Wed Oct 9 10:22:14 1996 IST):
Mr B,How long do you think the present Govt. will last?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:22:27 1996 IST):
Ram Gopal: I was never a concious adherent of Gandhi's philosophy although I was uncounciuosly affected like a lot of our countrymen. I made the film on Gandhi because of how the personal transformation of Gandhi took place. I was a consultant at the script stage on Jabbar Patel's film on Ambedkar. I have no other role to play in that production.

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A P Kamath (Wed Oct 9 10:23:34 1996 IST):
Good morning, Sir. I am sorry I am late. Are you disenchanted with the way things are in the Hindi film industry? Is there no way out to establish a parallel film circuit? To make ansd show good films. Is there something seriously wrong with the way things are going? I hear there are no film societies in Bombay anymore. Is all this an outcome of liberalisation?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:24:20 1996 IST):
Purvi: Yes there are many excellent actresses in cinema today. Madhuri Dixit, Manisha Koirala, Tabu and several others. They would be an asset to any film.

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 10:24:26 1996 IST):
?????

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J Madhavan (Wed Oct 9 10:24:56 1996 IST):
By making films like Sardari Begum, are you not shutting your eyes to the reality that is India? why is it that unlike Govind Nihalani you have never made a political film?

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 10:25:24 1996 IST):
:-(

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Michelle (Wed Oct 9 10:25:29 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal is parallel cinema dead in India? Why is it that actors like Om Puri,Farukh Sheikh,or directors like Kundan Shah are either seen on Indian TV or are not seen at all?

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Purvi Ghosh (Wed Oct 9 10:27:17 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal: How was your experience in shooting Discovery of India? What made you come in to this project?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:27:23 1996 IST):
A P Kamath: There are many problems that beset cinema today I won't go into the details because it has to do with economics, land values sky rocketing and so many problems that are seemingly unconnected with the cinema. It will take a while before some clarity will emerge. Meanwhile we are presently in a populist mode and must expect films of the kind that are dished out by the industry.

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B K Karnad (Wed Oct 9 10:27:49 1996 IST):
Why dio you think Gandhi and his vision died in post-1947 India? Was it because it was not a powerful enough force once India got its freedom? Or did it lack the clarity to be adapted to modern times?

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A P Kamath (Wed Oct 9 10:28:51 1996 IST):
How do you find the financing for your films? Who will finance the projects after Sardari Begum?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:30:28 1996 IST):
Soofee: The film is actually called Sardari Begum. There is adance sequence in the film and it is performed by an actress called Smriti Mishra who plays the younger Sardari Begum in the film. There is no other dance sequence. The film is being released in November in India and it deals with the life of a Thumri singer.

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J Madhavan (Wed Oct 9 10:30:39 1996 IST):
How do you find the themes to make films? Can I send you a script?

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Purvi Ghosh (Wed Oct 9 10:31:19 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal: Why films like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Hum Aap ke Hai Kaun do well?

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Michelle (Wed Oct 9 10:32:25 1996 IST):
I read an article on Smriti Mishra on Rediff. How good is she as an actress?

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Michelle (Wed Oct 9 10:32:25 1996 IST):
I read an article on Smriti Mishra on Rediff. How good is she as an actress?

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B K Karnad (Wed Oct 9 10:32:35 1996 IST):
Has Amitabh Bachchan's corporation asked you to make a film? Has he ever expressed a desire to work with you? Do you think he lacks the guts to work in films made by people like you?

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 10:32:43 1996 IST):
Mr. Benegal, I have read numourous film reviews of commercial Fiilms by Khalid Mhd. when I lived in India. How is his story which you are making the film on? any different from Commercial a film story.

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:33:36 1996 IST):
BBK Karnad: I believe deifying Gandhi is a mistake. If we see him in a human dimension his influence would be far greater. The guiding principle of our cnstitution are based entirely on Gandhian principles. It would therefore be wrong to consider that he no longer has power to influence us today.

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A P Kamath (Wed Oct 9 10:34:09 1996 IST):
I heard you will make a film on Gurcharan Das's novel. Who will star in it? It has a very Trikaalish feel?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:34:40 1996 IST):
Michelle: Smriti Mishra is a very talented actress and she should go far.

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Purvi Ghosh (Wed Oct 9 10:34:58 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal: Can you give some example in what way Gandhi's principle influence us today? In short, can you give your own example what principles of Gandhiji you observe?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:35:34 1996 IST):
Kamath: There is some talk of doing the book as a television series - not a film.

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:36:27 1996 IST):
Kamath: Your guess is as good as mine.

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J Madhavan (Wed Oct 9 10:37:11 1996 IST):
Why don't you make political films? I thought someone with an intellect as fine as yours would dissect the political scenario with greater finesse than all these idiots in Bollywood.

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:38:49 1996 IST):
Michelle: I don't like the words paralell cinema. It does not define anything there are only good and bad films. And as always there are more bad films and less good films. There is a great deal more work in television today than in the cinema. And that is why you see so many well known actors on television.

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A P Kamath (Wed Oct 9 10:39:14 1996 IST):
Does that mean Shyam Benegal won't make movies anymore? Will it be a series for Star?

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 10:39:40 1996 IST):
Thanks for answering Mr. Benegal. I meant help by her in choreography.Mr Benegal I have always wondered about the commercial sustainance of Art cinema in India. Do all art films self support themselves?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:40:38 1996 IST):
Madhavan: Manyof my films are political in a tangential sort of way. To make a directly political film would be like sloganeering which I do not think serves any kind of real purpose except as a means to let off steam.

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J Madhavan (Wed Oct 9 10:40:53 1996 IST):
What changes do you see coming in India in the next ten years? I India, sir, not in filmdom.

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Michelle (Wed Oct 9 10:41:09 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal, what are your interests besides film making?

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B K Karnad (Wed Oct 9 10:41:36 1996 IST):
Shyam, what has been the most satisfying film you have made so far?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:43:14 1996 IST):
Kamath: No such thing. A filmmaker continues tgo make films one way or the other.

Soofee: Not all small budget films and films of presonal expression can cover their costs by a theatrical release. They need television to cover their costs.

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A P Kamath (Wed Oct 9 10:43:23 1996 IST):
I have just received e-mail saying that the Mahatma film is being yanked off theatres in Bombay. Is that true?

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Naren (Wed Oct 9 10:43:32 1996 IST):
Although we have seen some of our actors star in Hollywood movies, when can we expect a Director to do so ?

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 10:47:38 1996 IST):
Mr. Benegal who would you call a successful film maker?

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B K Karnad (Wed Oct 9 10:47:49 1996 IST):
Shyam, I believe a human being has to take a stand one way or the other. You may not make political films, but your films convey your ingtent. Ideologically, I believe you are left of centre. Is that correct? Is that hue still fashionable in India? I believe the colour au courrant was saffron.

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 10:48:04 1996 IST):
Shyam, what is the reason for some much of obscenity and rubbishness in most of the movies in the past few years. Why movies like PYASA, SARASWATI CHANDRA, MOTHER INDIA, NEEL KAMAL etc. are no longer produced. Do you think there are insufficient no. of people willing to see such movie ?

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A P Kamath (Wed Oct 9 10:48:56 1996 IST):
Has your cousin Guru Dutt any influence on your film-making?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:48:58 1996 IST):
Madhavan: The present journey that is going on in the country should actually help in creating a more equitable society in the long run.

Michelle: My vocation is film making my other intersts include literature and music and differnt sciences. Also politics but not to practise but to understand the nature of it.

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 10:49:47 1996 IST):
Shyam, who is the best actor/actress you have worked with?

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J Madhavan (Wed Oct 9 10:50:20 1996 IST):
That's an interesting response. An elaboration would be greatly appreciated.

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:52:08 1996 IST):
Kamath: The film hasn't been doing terribly well in the cinemas. It is expected that the film will be released gain after the festival season when cineam going becomes much more intense than it is just before and during the festival.

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Rami (Wed Oct 9 10:52:23 1996 IST):
Hi Mr Benegal, lucky to have caught you. Which is your film maker?

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A P Kamath (Wed Oct 9 10:52:24 1996 IST):
Do you think audiences in India are too unsophisticated to appreciate films like the ones you make.

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Rami (Wed Oct 9 10:53:06 1996 IST):
Sorry, the question actually was which is your fav film?

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 10:53:17 1996 IST):
Shyam, where do you think the Indian film industry is heading towards? What is the state of the industry you foresee 10-20 years from now?

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A P Kamath (Wed Oct 9 10:53:44 1996 IST):
When a film on the Mahatma does not do well, I guess that is a startling comment on the state of affairs in India.

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 10:54:14 1996 IST):
Raj: There are sevreal . I will not elaborate on this since if by chance I have forgotten to name one or tow of them it would lead to unnessacary misunderstandings.

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 10:54:46 1996 IST):
Shyam, where do you think the Indian film industry is heading towards? What is the state of the industry you foresee 10-20 years from now?

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J Madhavan (Wed Oct 9 10:55:11 1996 IST):
Someone who saw the film on the Mahatma and communicated to a friend that you are way behind the times in the film was made. What he meant was that you are in a time warp and that your work needs to develop. Do you agree with such a criticism?

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B K Karnad (Wed Oct 9 10:56:00 1996 IST):
Shyam, you still haven't answered many of my questions. Please do.

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Naren (Wed Oct 9 10:57:09 1996 IST):
I second BK's request for my questions.

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A P Kamath (Wed Oct 9 10:57:36 1996 IST):
Has Dickie Attenborough seen your film? What did you learn about the Mahatma's evolution in South Africa? What converted this genial man into a leader of men? One of the greatest there has been in this time or another time.

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 10:57:39 1996 IST):
What shoud the film industry do to face the existing and future stiff competition from the cable TVs?

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 10:58:31 1996 IST):
Kamath.. Mahatma... may not be doing well in India may be because Mr. Benegal Has Portrayed Gandhi as he was , Secularist that is and in India no one cares for secularism today. And B K Karnad is right when he says the colour of the day in India is Saffron.. . Every one knows who killed Gandhi.

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 10:59:21 1996 IST):
Shyam, Thanks for answering my question. I hope yoy would answer to other questions as well.

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 11:00:27 1996 IST):
Soofee, where are you from?

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 11:00:54 1996 IST):
Kamath: I would not like to charactersie our audiences as unsophisticated. Our film makers have treated them that way over a ver long period of time. They have been coditioned for the last 40 or more years by films that are infantile, suggesting that the characters who people our films are generally idiots or barely intelligent.

Rami: I have several fav film makers and a fairly large number of fabv films accumalated over a long period of time. The numbers would be too large to mention here. Chaplin, Orson Welles, Satyajit Ray, Kurusawa, Fellini, De Sica, john Ford, John Huston, Coppola, Scorsese, Tarkovsky , and several othesrs.

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 11:01:56 1996 IST):
Raj, from Planet Earth!!!

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B K Karnad (Wed Oct 9 11:02:07 1996 IST):
Shyam Hav Visru Naka

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 11:02:20 1996 IST):
How do you go about choosing new faces for your movies? How should one approach you to find out the possibility of getting a break in your movies?

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Rami (Wed Oct 9 11:02:55 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal do you have any dream project..a film an idea forming somewhere in your mind..that you can forsee as your best endeavour?

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prakrut (Wed Oct 9 11:03:27 1996 IST):
Mr.B: Who are the Indian directors both contemprory and past?

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 11:03:37 1996 IST):
Soofee, its great to know that you are from earth (and not from Marsh)

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 11:03:41 1996 IST):
Kamath: For my answer to that you would have to see the film. I hope you will get an oppurtunity to do so. I don't knwo wether has seen the film yet, the film is yet to be released in UK it is expected to open in winter.

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 11:04:27 1996 IST):
<>STRONG>Mr Benegal will take two more questions.

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 11:04:52 1996 IST):
How do you go about choosing new faces for your movies? How should one approach you to find out the possibility of getting a break in your movies?

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 11:05:44 1996 IST):
Soofee, it's great to know that you are from Earth (and not from Marsh).

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 11:06:04 1996 IST):
Raj: I chose my actors according to the characters and roles I have in my films. They are chosen for their talent, ability, discipline and presence.

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 11:06:23 1996 IST):
Mr. Benegal Have seen "Natural Born Killers" and "Pulp Fiction"? If yes what is your reaction to that? Also what do you think of plagirism in Hindi cinema ( Mostly from Hollywood)????

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 11:06:56 1996 IST):
Soofee, it's great to know that you are from Earth (and not from Marsh).

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 11:07:37 1996 IST):
Soofee, it's great to know that you are from Earth (and not from Marsh).

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 11:08:12 1996 IST):
Soofee: I've seen Pulp Fiction. It is extremely well made and has to be taken in the right spirit and not literally. I have not seen Natural Born Killers. I think plagarism in any form is despicable.

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 11:08:14 1996 IST):
Raj, Just migrate. There is no Mr. Benegal there. Only couple of Rajs.

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 11:09:03 1996 IST):
Soofee, it's great to know that you are from Earth (and not from Marsh).

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 11:09:50 1996 IST):
Thank you very very much Mr. Benagle.

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 11:11:05 1996 IST):
Shyam, thank you very much for your intelligent and interesting comments/answers.

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B K Karnad: (Wed Oct 9 11:11:40 1996 IST):
Shyam, I am mosgt disappointed that you did not answer my questions. Please take at least one of them. For Aamchi gele's sakes!

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 11:11:53 1996 IST):
Ramui: Every new film I make is designed as a film on which I will do my best. I've many dream projects and hope that I will someday be able to make atleast one or tow of them. A constraint always is that of fianace.

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Rami (Wed Oct 9 11:11:59 1996 IST):
Thank you Mr Benegal, it was wonderful speaking with you. All the best for all your coming ventures.

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Raj (Wed Oct 9 11:12:52 1996 IST):
Shyam, thank you very much for your intelligent and interesting comments/answers.

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 11:13:44 1996 IST):
Good thing Mr. Benegal does not believe in Amci gele(s).

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Shyam Benegal. (Wed Oct 9 11:15:22 1996 IST):
Thank you very much . All of you. Will probably talk to you again when I can find a little time. It was fun chatting with you all. Bye for now.

Karnad: Will practice my Amchi Geli with you some more next time.

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Nikhil Lakshman: (Wed Oct 9 11:15:50 1996 IST):
Mr Benegal, Many thanks for appearing on the Rediff Chat. I hope you found the experience interesting and we look forward to having you with us again.

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Soofee (Wed Oct 9 11:15:52 1996 IST):
Bye Mr. Benegal, Raj, Nikhil and Mr.Karnad offcourse.

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Padmanabhan (Wed Oct 9 11:24:35 1996 IST):
Shyam, Which do you rate as your best movie ? and what is your definition of an :art" movie / 'Commercial' movie ?

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asgsdahga (Wed Oct 9 11:25:19 1996 IST):
Hai Mr Shyam, This is Shaji from Kuwait. First of all let me congradu;ate you for picture about Mahatma.

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Rami (Wed Oct 9 11:27:16 1996 IST):
Hi Shaji, Mr benegal has already left.

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asgsdahga (Wed Oct 9 11:28:31 1996 IST):
What persuaded you for making that picture which I could'nt see so far. shaji Kuwait

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coomi (Wed Oct 9 11:37:29 1996 IST):
Whew! got through at last! but too late. Didn't get connected for almost 1.5hrs. Sorry I missed the great man.

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coomi (Wed Oct 9 11:37:29 1996 IST):
Whew! got through at last! but too late. Didn't get connected for almost 1.5hrs. Sorry I missed the great man.

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Mahesh Bhatt

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