Mumbai, May 9
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur shared a deep reflection on the nature of thought and creativity, pondering the roles of the mind and the heart in the creative process.
In a post on social media, Kapur explored how thoughts arise and how the heart and mind each contribute to the artistic journey. According to him, while the mind produces tempered and considered thoughts, the heart’s influence is more intuitive, flowing, and eternal. In his post, the director raised a profound question: Can the heart think? His answer was both philosophical and poetic — the heart belongs not to the moment, but to the eternal "now." Shekhar also likened this idea to the way artist Bob Dylan famously described his songwriting process: "My best lyrics were written as fast as my pencil could write."
Kapur explained that for him, the most honest and raw creative work comes when he is “out of the way,†when the creation simply passes through him.
On Friday, the 'Mr. India' actor posted an image on his Instagram with the caption, “Where do thoughts arise? From the mind or from the heart? If from the mind, they are tempered and considered, if from the heart they tend to be intuitive, flowing, and yes, eternal. Does the Heart think? Of course it doesn’t. One could just leave that to the mind. Thoughts that are constantly drifting between the past, the future, the vassilating between yes, maybe , maybe not ..†(sic)
“The heart belongs to the eternal .. no, not to the moment, for the moment it self is often a measure of time .. the word closest .. I believe .. is .. the heart belongs to the now ..The eternal now.. It’s like Bob Dillon said ‘My best lyrics were written as fast as my pencil could write .. ‘For me , my most honest ( and it’s not a value/ moral judgement) come when I am out of the way .. where what is written has merely passed through me,†(sic) he added.
Professionally, Shekhar Kapur has carved a distinguished place for himself in Indian and global cinema, earning critical acclaim and numerous honors, including the prestigious National Film Award. He is known for directing films such as “Masoom,†“Mr. India,†and “Bandit Queen.â€
— IANS
Reader Comments
Shekhar Kapur's thoughts resonate deeply with me as a writer. In Indian storytelling, we've always valued that "antarik drishti" (inner vision) which comes from the heart. Our epics weren't written with logic but with divine inspiration flowing through the poet. Beautiful perspective! ðŸ™
While I admire Kapur's philosophy, I wish he'd make more films in India. We need visionary directors like him to shape our cinema. His last Hindi film was 15 years ago! The heart may create, but the mind must execute - hope he balances both soon.
This is why Mr. India remains iconic after 35 years - it had both mind (brilliant sci-fi concept) and heart (Mogambo's laughter still gives me goosebumps!). Today's filmmakers focus only on box office calculations. Kapur's wisdom is much needed in Bollywood today.
As an art teacher in Mumbai, I'm saving this post to show my students! The eternal "now" he describes is exactly what we try to capture in our Warli paintings - that spontaneous connection between hand, heart and tradition. Beautifully expressed! â¤ï¸
Interesting thoughts, but isn't this a bit abstract for practical filmmaking? Budgets, schedules, actor egos - these need the mind's discipline. Maybe that's why his projects take decades to complete. Balance is key, no?
Kapur's words remind me of our classical musicians who say their best performances happen when they become mere vessels. From Kabir to Kapur - some truths remain eternal. Though I wish he'd use simpler language - had to read twice to understand! 😅
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.