Journalism of Courage
Young at 60? Its possibleif driven by undying youthful energy and optimism. Since its co-founder Dev Anand radiates both,small wonder that Navketan Films has retained its enduring appeal even after six decades of highs and lows in the industry.
Fresh from attending a festival of Navketan (which means newness in Sanskrit) productions in Delhi,the 86-year-old actor-director is all sprightly at the prospect of the banners 36th movie Chargesheet. Still,nostalgia seeps in. We had a dream to make films no one has made. As an actor,I was on my way up when my brother Chetan suggested we launch a production house, he recalls.
After Taxi Drivers success,Chetan moved on. And Devs younger brother Vijay,popularly known as Goldie,took up the directors mantle in Navketan. By then,it had become a regular companywith an office,manager and other employees. Navketan was the most professional production house. They always made payments on time, says musician Kersi Lord,who has worked under SD Burman.
The aging company is also one of the richest in the industry. Dev says,We are a rich company with 36 films. And like the aging wine,the value of some of Navketans oldies has only risen,though most of the recent ventures have been box-office duds. Our films havent done well because they were not promoted and marketed properly. For Chargesheet,we wont leave anything to chance. Who knows it can be a surprise hit,just like Taxi Driver, says the legendary actor with such child-like glee that one almost agrees with him. Before this suspense movie releases,Navketan office is agog with plans of Hum Donos re-release in colour.
That will be yet another opportunity for the evergreen hero to win hearts.
