A fake world’ ‘Film industry can be
Snumber of producers were suffering due to monetary loss as there were no theatrical releases. They must have borrowed money and would’ve to pay interest. Releasing a film on OTT was a good way out for many of them. Instead of my film being stuck in a can, I’d be happy to see it release online,” says the actor.
She admits workwise, 2020 was fabulous, as she shot a lot, including many ads. “I wrote a book on my life and hope people enjoy it. As everyone was at home, they’d enjoy and explore different genres and not just the same kinds of stories. OTT has helped a lot in that sense. Agar OTT, nahin hota toh, whatever I worked on wouldn’t have existed perhaps,” says Gupta, who has four films lined up for release this year, including Dial 100 with Manoj Bajpayee and Gwalior, among others. hamita Shetty has had a chequered career. But the actor, who’s been appreciated for her performance in the recent web show Black Widows, has no regrets. “I’ve been through ups and downs, and it has made me who I am today. I’m thankful for the life I have. Most of all, to be working even after 20 years is big deal. I’ve not done as much work as I would’ve liked to, but at least I’m given the opportunity to be a part of the film industry, and I’m grateful for that… The industry can be a fake world, and you can lose yourself here, if you are not careful,” says the Zeher (2005) actor, who turns 42 today.
How’s she ringing in her special day? “Now, I enjoy peace and quiet... I remember my 40th birthday celebration was a surprise party. Shilpa (Shetty Kundra; sister) and Raj (Kundra; brotherin-law) whisked me away to Phuket, Thailand. It was just so wonderful,” she reminisces.
Shetty, who has a film, Tenant, lined up, says that 2020 was good for her career wise, but more importantly, it helped her realise what matters. “When you’re trapped alone at home, no matter how much money or fancy stuff you have, nothing matters. It makes you think what’s important. I made a few changes, tried to get rid of negativity. Though I live alone, luckily, I had family close by and I spent quality time with them,” she says, adding, “I was grateful that I got to work on a show during the pandemic. We followed all the Covid-19 protocols while shooting in Kolkata.”
Music maestro AR Rahman’s contribution to Hindi film music is enormous, yet over the past few years, he appears to have cut back on work in Bollywood films. The Oscar-winning composer says he is rather content with the kind of work that he associates himself with now.
“I think I am pretty happy with the amount of movies I am doing now. I work with people from whom I get a good vibe. That is why I keep working with the same people again and again. I didn’t care to accept many offers because you need to concentrate on quality,” shares Rahman, whose recent Hindi film albums include Shikara and Dil Bechara, both last year.
Along with a rich discography, the musician also has a number of awards to his name — six National Film Awards, two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award. Talking about whether such laurels spell doom for someone’s career, he says,
“As long as somebody has a neutral mind and you don’t get carried away by awards… The quest for learning keeps going on. My first film (Roja, 1992) won a National Award and, people said, ‘You won the National Award, do you need to continue? You can stop now’.”
The 54-year-old, who recently adapted one of his old songs for a web series, says he has never been driven b y awards. “Awards are important but it is not the only destination. Music cannot be judged in one hearing and the intention of the music is much more than the creator. It is about how people take it. The joy of composing and performing is only limited by your physical health, nothing else,” he adds.
Almost 30 years old in the industry now, Rahman is one of the most successful music composers in the country today. So what does he attribute this long successful ever growing career to?
“Everything, all my success is a blessing for me. I am always a learner. At every stage of your life when you feel you have done enough, every three to four years there is a shift that happens. There are new needs, new sound, the society changes and you need to embrace and not complain that ‘Oh those days we did this’. One needs to get rid of that. We have to respect everybody’s needs,” he concludes.
AR RAHMAN, Musician