Director Hansal Mehta said his journey has been about taking chances regardless of failure.
“Eleven years ago, I decided to do only what I enjoy. When I say enjoy, it’s like the story should come from within me and the characters should be those that I could discover through the process of making the film,” he said.
“And in that, even if you take risks and fail, you pick up the pieces, get up and start all over again. I have started my life all over again so many times that it doesn't worry me,” he added.
The 54-year-old filmmaker, also known for critical hit movies such as Shahid, Citylights, and Aligarh, said he was cherishing the current phase of his professional life. “In terms of creativity, I am in the most active phase of my career. I am enjoying this phase a lot. I am making films that I want to and at the same time, I am also enjoying a good life — I travel, cook, have ample time for friends, listen to music and write. It’s a good space to be in.”
Hansal has his hands full in the coming months. He has a murder mystery movie with Kareena Kapoor Khan, which is currently in production in London; an action-drama with Kartik Aaryan; Scam season two and a web series on Mahatma Gandhi that would reunite him with Pratik Gandhi.
Asked if it is overwhelming to work with popular stars, the National Award-winner said it was a “privilege” for him. “I love actors and love directing them and working with them. I neither get overwhelmed or bogged down.”
Hansal first tasted success in 1993 with his debut directorial project, the popular TV cookery show Khana Khazana with celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor. After many misses at the box office in the early 2000s such as Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!!, Chhal, and Woodstock Villa, his career turnaround came with the biopic on slain lawyer Shahid Azmi in 2013, which won him the National Film Award for best director.
Looking back, the filmmaker said he takes pride in all his past work. “I take pride in my work, including those that are very indifferent and not very good. The expectations that people have actually make me responsible and I take that seriously.”
“At the same time, I remind myself that whatever I have achieved is because I followed my heart and I set myself free to explore things without any fear. When I look at life ahead, it is to make films without fear,” he added.
At a time where any and every piece of art can hurt sentiments of people, the Mumbai-born director said it is possible for storytellers to fearlessly ply their trade. “My intention has never been to sensationalise or to court controversy. The idea is to tell stories that otherwise remain untold.”
