Neeraj is writing a Bollywood memoir; will present a ringside view of the industry

Back in 2013, he made his debut as a novelist with Ghalib Danger. And a few days ago, filmmaker Neeraj Pandey came out with the Hindi version of his bestseller. Now, in the latest instance, we’ve learnt that the Baby (2015) director is working on a Bollywood memoir, which is based on his “personal experiences” in the Hindi film industry.

“Yes, I’m currently working on what can be called a memoir, wherein I describe my experiences in the film industry as well as with people, including technicians and actors. While some of the stories are very unique, others are funny,” says Neeraj, adding that the book “promises to be interesting” because during his journey, he has had “so many unique encounters”.

He explains, “Those experiences also encompass the making of each and every film [made by him]. In fact, some of the projects never took off, so I feel readers will be interested in that kind of world, and knowing why things happen the way they do [in the film industry] and why a few things don’t happen at all. Let’s see if people also find it interesting.”

The filmmaker is slated to direct Ajay Devgn in his next venture, based on the 3rd century BC philosopher economist Chanakya.

Considering Neeraj is largely busy with his film commitments — direction, writing as well as production — how does he find the time to write books? “It’s because I’m not in the volume business; I don’t have to meet any particular target, so it’s easy to take out time. It’s not like we have a target of releasing 10 films in a year. We chase only those projects that we like. At times, it doesn’t happen the way you want it to and sometimes, it takes a lot of time, but I think this is life. You don’t take undue pressure or exert yourself unnecessarily,” says the MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) maker, adding that time has “never been an issue”. He says, “It’s because we don’t want to rush into anything. It just makes our life easier.”

I feel readers will be interested in that kind of world, and knowing why things happen the way they do [in the film industry] and why a few things don’t happen at all. NEERAJ PANDEY FILMMAKERWRITER

PHOTO: PRAMOD THAKUR/HT Neeraj Pandey is directing Ajay Devgn in his next film venture