Veteran poet-lyricist and acclaimed filmmaker Gulzar is celebrated for his profoundly human narratives and lyrical sensitivity that have shaped Indian cinema for decades. When his daughter, Meghna Gulzar, stepped into the director's chair with her debut film 'Filhaal' in 2002, it signaled the emergence of a fresh and distinctive voice in the Hindi film industry. The movie, which delved into themes of female friendship and surrogate motherhood, broke new ground with its nuanced storytelling.
Gulzar's Perspective on Meghna's Directorial Debut
In an exclusive conversation, Gulzar reflects on Meghna's inaugural venture, her autonomous creative identity, the mentorship she received under filmmaker Saeed Mirza, and how she has successfully navigated her career without being overshadowed by his monumental legacy.
On Meghna's Independent Filmmaking Identity
Gulzar, affectionately referring to Meghna as Bosky, emphasizes that she has unequivocally established herself as her own person. "I think Bosky has categorically proved that she is her own person. I don't think I could have made 'Filhaal.' The sensibility, mood, dialogues, and even the subject reflect a young aesthetic sense," he shares. He admits that as a filmmaker, he would have been too reserved to tackle a topic like surrogate motherhood, but Meghna skillfully balances sensitivity with robust storytelling, proving herself as a filmmaker to be taken seriously.
Addressing Comparisons and Similarities
When asked about inevitable comparisons between father and daughter, Gulzar responds with wisdom. "And why not? If we are related, there are bound to be similarities. Kahin aapka rang ek jaisa milega, to kahin aapki muskaan ek hogi. Since we belong to the same family tree, why shouldn't there be similarities in our creativity?" However, he notes that Meghna intentionally trained under his colleague Saeed Mirza to avoid overt comparisons, a move that has yielded visible results in her work.
The Unique Handling of Relationships in 'Filhaal'
Gulzar highlights how Meghna's approach to relationships in the film diverges from his own style. "The relationships in the film are handled in a way that is not my style. I would have been too shy to talk about many of the things Bosky discusses so openly," he explains. He points out that societal norms often make men and women hesitant to address such issues, but Meghna tackles them with gentle honesty, ensuring the narrative remains accessible to younger audiences without awkwardness.
Rare Portrayal of Female Bonding in Cinema
Reflecting on the scarcity of films about female friendship in Indian cinema, Gulzar expresses admiration for the younger generation. "You know, our generation of filmmakers missed out on portraying the bonding between friends. Films like Dil Ek Mandir and Dostana over-dramatized conflicts between friends," he observes. Watching 'Filhaal', he feels a sense of pride and affection for how fluently and naturally today's filmmakers can express emotions, making earlier portrayals seem outdated.
Praise for Actors Sushmita Sen and Tabu
Gulzar commends the performances in 'Filhaal', starting with Sushmita Sen. "Sushmita toh badi hi spontaneous hai. I told her, 'Tumne toh acting ki hi nahin. Tum toh bas yun hi kar gayi.' (laughs) Kahin toh acting ka effort dikhna chahiye. She laughed it off. But honestly, she's very good, very natural. She's a pleasant surprise. Full marks to her," he says. Regarding Tabu, he notes her expected brilliance, praising her for beautifully executing complex sequences with a hazy, effective quality throughout the film.
Meghna's Training Under Saeed Mirza
Gulzar clarifies that while Meghna is inevitably influenced by him, her true guru is Saeed Mirza. "I don't think she is weighed down by expectations. She admits she is bound to be influenced by me, having watched my films closely. But people forget she has also been deeply influenced by Saeed Mirza's cinema. He is her guru, not me," he asserts. He details how Meghna worked as chief assistant on Mirza's film 'Naseem', gaining hands-on experience in scriptwriting, scene editing, and the entire filmmaking process, which matured her as a director.
Embracing Constructive Criticism
In a revealing anecdote, Gulzar shares that Meghna rejected some of his lyrics for 'Filhaal', a decision he respects. "(Proudly) Yes, she did—and I respected her for it. It feels good to know she has a mind of her own," he states. He draws a parallel with his own collaborations, such as with music composer Vishal Bhardwaj, who questioned his lyrics during their early work. Gulzar values such independent thinking and constructive criticism, seeing it as essential for creative growth.
This conversation not only sheds light on Meghna Gulzar's journey as a filmmaker but also underscores Gulzar's supportive role as a father and mentor, celebrating her achievements while acknowledging the evolving landscape of Hindi cinema.
