Tollywood director Prabhat Roy talks about his newly published autobiography Clapstick, where he chronicles his journey from growing up in Barrackpore to becoming one of the successful filmmakers of Bengal who wooed the box office as well as won the National Award.
What made you write your autobiography?
Prabhat Roy: Despite some initial reluctance, it was important to share my story and my journey through the ups and downs of filmmaking, which will be a roadmap for new directors and film enthusiasts. Without my wife’s (Jayashree) relentless support through every phase of my life and my daughter Ekta’s constant encouragement and insistence, this book wouldn’t have seen the light of day. I started the book on the condition that Ekta would write it with me. She agreed and then we proceeded with the initial drafts.
Does the title of the book hold any special meaning for you?
Prabhat Roy: The title means a great deal to me. My journey in the film world began as a fourth assistant director, assigned with the task of holding a clapstick. I still remember myself as a nervous, young boy who dropped the clapstick on the set of the film Jugnu and superstar Dharmendra picking it up for me and saying, ‘Don’t be afraid. I’m not a tiger or a bear. One day you will be a great director yourself.’
In the book, you share that you wanted to be an actor but were given a clapstick by a director who asked you to learn the filmmaking process first. How did you deal with the lows at that point in your career?
Prabhat Roy: It wasn’t easy. I felt hopeless at times as there was little money. My wife Jayashree’s faith in me even when I hit rock bottom didn’t let me give up. It motivated me a lot. The genuine friendships I found and the bonds I made in Mumbai had my back too.
How did films like Shet Patharer Thala and Lathi impact your career?
Prabhat Roy: Lathi and Shet Patharer Thala completely changed the course of my directorial journey. Previously, I was hailed as a commercial filmmaker but after these two films, both the critics and the audience felt that I was equally efficient with parallel films.
My cinema became a bridge between commercial blockbuster films, breaking box-office records, marking housefull theatres and art-house films with a strong social message that won National Awards and critical acclaim.
The story behind the making of Lathi is very intriguing and personal. Actor and friend Samit Bhanja used to pick me up and we used to go by the lake for a morning walk. There we saw an old man celebrating his birthday with a few of his friends; veteran actor Haradhan Bandopadhyay was one of them. On asking, we learned that with their kids grown up and being distant, they were celebrating their birthdays outdoors. That left a lasting mark on me. I felt the isolation, pain and loneliness of the elderly, who haven’t been portrayed in Bengali cinema before. That’s how I started developing Lathi.
Shet Patharer Thala also has an interesting anecdote about its making. It was a female-centric narrative and Aparna Sen was the lead. But initially, she wasn't convinced about this film since she had known me for my high-octane commercial and action cinema. But within 15 days, I penned down the entire screenplay and she was pleasantly surprised on reading it and instantly agreed to do the film.
Do you remember the first time you said action and cut?
Prabhat Roy: Yes, I remember it vividly. During the filming of Troyi, the director fell sick and the lead star of the film, Mithun Chakraborty, vouched for me that I would be able to finish the direction, since he had worked with me before and trusted me. Then I stepped in and Troyi became my first directorial work where I first said action and cut.
When you look back, how do you feel about your journey?
Prabhat Roy: I feel immense gratitude when I look back. Now all my hardships mean something. By God's grace, I found the guidance and companionship of some legendary artists and mentors of the Indian film industry. Even decades after, my fans span across generations. My stories and direction have given hope and warmth to many. What more can I ask for?
After 11 years, you are back with Prabhat Productions as a creative director and script writer. What does the production house aim at?
Prabhat Roy: Prabhat Productions aims to depict simple relatable storytelling and collaborating with young, passionate creators and crew.
What is your most valuable life lesson?
Prabhat Roy: The most valuable life lesson that I have tried to inculcate and live by is that there’s no substitute for hard work and integrity. If you are honest and devoted to your craft, then irrespective of all hardships, you will make a mark.