#IFFIWood, 22 November 2024

 

In Day 3 of 55^th IFFI, Shri Shantanu Moitra, eminent music director, jammed with Shri Vidhu Vinod Chopra, film director, producer and script writer in a vibrant way today here in Kala Academy, Panjim, Goa and created a true illustrious masterclass session on ‘Living Movies: Filmmaking and the Creative Life’ for the packed house.

Shri Moitra began the session with his famous ‘Piyu Bole Piya Bole’ song from the movie ‘Parineeta’ and Shri Chopra joined him in no time. Breaking the established pattern of such masterclass conversations, as he has repeatedly done through his movies, Shri Chopra immediately stood up from the comfort of his sofa and kept the entire audience engaged with his vibrant energy throughout for rest of the session.

Recollecting his zero moment, Shri Chopra narrated the story of his dream to assist Vijay Anand, in his early days. Someone close to Mr. Anand assured him that he will confirm the possible association with Anand. That promise kept him waiting for months; but the letter did not arrive ever.

Shri Chopra explained how, with his first film ‘Khamosh’ made with the financial assistance from NFDC, he faced challenges to market the movie and repay NFDC. As per NFDC policy, if he failed to do so, there would be no assistance for the next venture. Eminent directors, distributors praised the film, but again the phone did not ring with the good news. Finally, he himself had to be the distributor of the film.

Taking que from these stories, Shri Moitra fondly recollected: “During ‘Parineeta’ there was doubt with the possibility of the music getting popular, especially considering the then existing trends in the industry. But Vidhu being himself who never received the letter, or got that call, signed me for next three VCF ventures; even before the success or failure; and that’s what defines Vidhu Vinod Chopra.”

Shri Moitra also highlighted how tough a taskmaster Shri Chopra is. While characterising Shri Chopra for the audience, he commented, ‘Vinod doesn’t know where he wants to go – but he certainly knows where he doesn’t want to stand’. Shri Moitra did not miss the chance to point out, on a lighter note, how this trait makes his life and that of others who are working with Shri Chopra, miserable.

On the topic whether understanding business prospective is essential for budding filmmakers or not, Shri Chopra firmly stated his disapproval. “I only make a film that I am believing in” and he concluded by saying “Entertain-Educate-Elevate: The Principle of 3E’s we follow in VCF.”

On his relations with the film director when he himself produces the film, Mr. Chopra said, ”I don’t trust a director, I trust a human being.”

The session witnessed the jovial, musical and engaging Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Shantanu Moitra together setting a live demonstration of the life philosophy which is also depicted through their cinema: “Don’t be a bore; Only entertain.”

 

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Rajith/Rini/Debayan/Darshana | IFFI 55 - 49

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