Geeta Basra and Harbhajan Singh ‘There is no ‘bandhan’ for creativity’
Even during the lock down phase writer and actor Atul Tiwari is a busy person. “Kalpanasheelta (imagination) can happen anywhere. For writers it does not matter where you are and what place it is! Only thing which can distract me is me and myself...nothing else, no place, location or anything else for that matter. There is no ‘bandhan’ (restriction) for creativity,” says the Lucknowite.
The writer of films like ‘Droh Kaal,’ ‘Mission Kashmir,’ ‘Vishwaroopam’ and TV series ‘Sanvidhan,’ is currently in Kanpur at his sister’s house.
Tiwari was all set for his next when the lock down happened. “I have been working for a film with Shyam Benegal sir which was supposed to go on floor on March 17. We were supposed reach the shoot spot on March 12. My ticket was of the same date but the scare of coronavirus outbreak was so high that we have to shelve the plan,” he tells.
They started having regular meetings at his house in Mumbai to polish the project. “After the Prime Minister announced Janta Curfew we expected a lock down to follow so we decided to return to our native places. I had tickets for
Lucknow for 21 but the flights were cancelled. Fortunately, I got direct ticket to Kanpur and my sister Dr Anju and her husband Dr Alok came to pick me from the airport,” he said.
The veteran writer is happy with his decision. “It is truly rewarding that I am with my family. In Mumbai I would have been alone. I am getting some good rest also along with working on multiple things,” he tells. He is also finding time to read and watch films.
“National Film Development Corporation asked me to write short film on Covid-19. I wrote six films on the subject. I also made an interesting film for Film Division. Besides, for Dr BR Ambedkar’s birth anniversay (April 14) I am making a film for Sangeet Natak Academy. Since I wrote ‘Samvidhan’ series they gave me this task. I have selected some portions from our series in which I’m adding a narration.”
He is also writing his a play and hopes that he will be able to finish it by the month-end.
“For the first time Film Writers Association (now Screenwriters Writers Association) is working an award ceremony for writers in 2020. I am on their jury so I am watching a number of films. And as I am living with the family of doctors so I am taken good care of,” he sums up.