HINDI CINEMA IS COMING OF AGE: MEGHNA GULZAR

The writer-director talks about the growth of Hindi cinema; says she wouldn’t make a biopic on her parents — Rakhee and Gulzar

Meghna Gulzar is busy working on two films, both of which are based on real-life events. She seems to have found her forte in making real-life inspired dramas, though she doesn’t admit to it. “I wouldn’t say that. It would be very restrictive for a creative person to say that. I never thought that I would make a film like Talvar (2015). So, never say never. I want to be in the real world and tell stories [inspired] by real life. I don’t know if it’s my forte. The industry and audience would be in a better position to tell,” says Meghna.

She admits that the Aarushi Talwar murder case fascinated her so much that she didn’t even wonder whether she would be able to pull it off. “I just wanted to do it. The blinkered approach towards the story helped me. Being backed by a great team, fabulous script and mind-blowing actors made a huge difference too,” says Meghna.

Ask the director about the other genres that she would like to explore, and she says, “I think Hindi cinema is certainly coming of age. I want to direct funny, simple love stories like When Harry Met Sally… (1989), You’ve Got Mail (1998), Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004). I would like to try [making] one of those kinds of movies by maintaining the story in a surreal space. Keeping the audience engrossed with an intimate tale of two people is quite challenging, especially when you want to keep it simple.”

With several biopics being made in Bollywood, would Meghna want to make one on her illustrious parents — writer, lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar (father) and actor Rakhee (mother)? Meghna says, “I am sure the audience might welcome biopics on them, considering they are such celebrated personalities. I wouldn’t dare to venture into [making] one. I feel that objectivity is necessary. I did write a book on my father’s life, but it wasn’t an all-encompassing biography. My mother is a very introverted person and she wouldn’t want a book written on her life. I don’t think I would be comfortable doing it.”

I want to be in the real world and tell stories [inspired] by real life. I don’t know if it’s my forte. MEGHNA GULZAR, WRITER-DIRECTOR

HT PHOTO