#theFridayFeature — Sudhir Mishra
“The story finds you.”
- Sudhir Mishra
Glossing through the internet, I stumbled upon a trailer that seemed distinct yet familiar. An unusual take on the classic Devdas. The two minutes spent in silence amidst the trademark visuals intrigued me to an extent that I was left behind with an undying urge to visit the theatre. When I did find time from the mundane, the film was discounted and shamed. Was the Sharadchandra-Shakespeare blend not enough a reason? Are the masses so used to the usual that anything beside fails to stir an ignition? The two minutes pushed me into a world filled with art devoid of commercials. Behind the film was a man with a vision, a vision which in the past has delivered path-breaking cinema — ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron’, ‘Dharavi’, ‘Inkaar’ and the forever immortal ‘Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi’…
I’ve always been in awe of personalities who one knows not by name but by work. Unaware of who Sudhir Mishra is, his filmography helped strike a remembrance. When the creation aids in identifying with the creator, the thin line between vanishes. Awarding fame to the creator alone diminishes the creations. Sudhir Mishra is one who pedestals his creations above his individuality. He believes that the creator is nothing but a medium chosen by nature on purpose, for a purpose.
Sudhir is from the few who see film making as more passion than meer profession. His films forced with commercial angles may seem devoid of heart, but the ones made with the soul poured make the audiences revisit multiple times through various eras and yet find resemblance and reflection of the surreal society present in their relatable times.
“To know the essential truth of any society, read its crime fiction, and what is popular.”
- Sudhir Mishra
I wonder where his minute observations come from. The eye for detail is a striking factor which makes the viewer a part of the tale Sudhir tries to tell. The characters he builds are fairly human and away from the incorruptible and unattainable fictional personas who are unaware of the devil within. May that be the charming Geeta from Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi taking constant advantages of her one-sided lover or the simple and sophisticated Nithan from Khoya Khoya Chand who sheds light on the sacrifices to be made to attain the ambition one seeks. Sudhir’s immaculate understanding of the human behavior and mind give his films a unique, relatable touch. He is neither bound by success nor likeability.
“Free spirit is possible when you’re not trying to please everyone.”
- Sudhir Mishra
Like all individuals driven by the creative force, Sudhir too seems to be unapologetically blunt. He sticks by the views he holds without shying away from displaying them on a public forum. The passion he withholds is evident in the films he makes along with a surreal, striking desire to make the world more aware. Every Sudhir Mishra film is an inward journey. You realize things about yourself which you weren’t aware of. Due to the technological advances, we have forgotten to spend time with ourselves. We are constantly doing something. Sudhir satisfies your want and fulfils your need.
“Jaante hain Dev Baabu aap apne babuji se
itni nafrat kyu karte hain?
Kyunki khudme bhi kahi, aap unhiko paate
hain…
(Do you know Dev Babu what the reason for
your dislike towards your father is?
You dislike him because somewhere within
yourself you find him…)”
- Khoya Khoya Chand, 2007
Thank You Sudhir for being an immense inspiration to me and millions of others. Hope the dreams that you are working towards are achieved shortly in the near future!
“Ya to hum khudko dhoka
de sakte the ya to aapko.
To humne socha kyu na aap
hi ko dhoka dede.
(Between self-betrayal and
betraying you I chose to
betray you.)”
- Khoya Khoya Chand, 2007
Well, that’s all for today.
Keep reading, keep sharing and never stop believing!
“If you have dreamt to be a Master Key, be prepared to lose your lock.”
- Sudhir Mishra
