Sai Paranjpye on advice for budding filmmakers: ‘I believe people should carve their own paths, I did’

Asked about her advice for budding filmmakers, the octogenarian director, known for her heartwarming and socially relevant films like Chashme Buddoor and Katha, said, “I hate giving advice, no one gave me any advice. If my work inspires someone, that’s wonderful, but I believe people should carve their own paths. I did, and I encourage others to do the same.”

Paranjpye said that before she became a celebrated director, she saw herself mainly as a writer, weaving narratives that reflected the nuances of everyday life.

The filmmaker was candid when asked about the challenges she faced in the industry. “Hardly any,” she said, with a smile. “The industry was so welcoming and accommodating. I am not a person who gets cowed down by problems. I face them, I overcome them, whatever. It was smooth sailing for me. Life inspires me. I always move around with my eyes wide open, absorbing everything. I have an optimistic approach to life, my glass is always half full,” she added.

She also mentioned how even in grim subjects like HIV-AIDS or labour migration, she managed to find ways to inject a little humour. “A little ray of sunshine is all it takes to ignite hope, because nothing is just black or white. There’s always a grey area, and that’s what makes stories compelling,” she said.

When asked about her inspiration for making children’s films, she responded with a chuckle, “Children! I think the child in me has never grown up. I have jealously guarded that part of myself and never let it grow up. From time to time, it nudges me, saying, ‘Hey, now do something for us!’ That’s how films like Chakachak came about, tackling environmental issues in a way that children could relate to. Unfortunately, the film remains just as relevant today because our environment still needs a lot of care.”

Her entry into filmmaking was a natural progression from her work in television, Paranjpye said. “I started in television, making short films and documentaries. It’s a cousin of cinema, after all. One of my documentaries, The Little Tea Shop, won the Asian Broadcasting Union Award in Tehran. That success gave me the confidence to transition into filmmaking. I then made a teleplay, Rehna Beet Jaye, which later became Sparsh – a film that won three National Awards and set the course for my career in cinema,” the veteran filmmaker shared.

So what makes a storyteller truly great? Is it their ability to captivate audiences, their unique perspective on life, or their unwavering commitment to their craft? “All of the above,” summed up Paranjpye.

(Riddhi Wadhwani is an intern with The Indian Express)