Mumbai, Aug 17
Director Umesh Shukla, who recently helmed the theatrical film 'Heer Express', has spoken up on the subject of art and rebellion.
The director spoke with IANS during the promotional run of 'Heer Express', and said that rebellion without cause is a recipe for disaster. The director said that one must do a thorough research for the cause they are standing for.
He told IANS, "More than rebellious, I would say, the truth. Rebellious doesn't mean that, even if it's wrong, you should be rebellious, and express it. There should be rationality. You should actually study and understand the cause you're standing for. Your research should be very deep. When you want to give a statement, if it's half-cooked, there's nothing right, but, I get rebellious, then, somewhere, it will get rejected, and there will be backlash. When your research backs your claim and cause, it always resonates".
He further mentioned, "So, even in 'Oh My God', we spoke about God fearing, or God loving. We said, 'Don't fear God, love him'. We were talking about the difference between faith, superstition and wrong beliefs. So, I always believe that, even if you want to be rebellious, or whatever you want to do, but, first, do proper research, you will come with questions that you didn't even have. You should be convinced first".
Earlier, the director, who has also directed 'OMG - Oh My God', had shared that he used to be a priest, and did pooja in people's houses.
He told earlier IANS, "I come from such a Brahmin family, that till the time I graduated, I used to go to people's houses, and perform Satyanayan pooja, Lakshmi pooja, Nishadiya and other pooja. I used to get it done, myself, as a Brahmin. I used to go, in a dhoti and kurta, and get it done. So, our ritual was there. And with regards to that, I used to ask a lot of questions to my father, and my grandfather, and in that, I used to see loopholes".
'Heer Express' is currently playing in cinemas.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting perspective coming from someone with priest background. Shows how personal experiences shape artistic vision. But I wish he'd given more examples from Heer Express itself rather than just talking about OMG again.
"Don't fear God, love him" - This line from OMG changed my whole perspective! Shukla sir has a unique way of making us question things while entertaining. Waiting to watch Heer Express this weekend! 😊
As someone new to Indian cinema, I find his approach refreshing. In Hollywood, rebellion is often glorified without substance. His emphasis on research and rationality is something all filmmakers should consider.
While I respect his views, isn't art sometimes about raw emotion rather than just research? Some of the greatest rebellious art came from spontaneous feelings. Balance is important.
His journey from performing poojas to questioning rituals is so inspiring! Shows how personal growth can lead to meaningful art. More power to filmmakers who make us think while entertaining us!
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