Sudhir Mishra On Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi Turning 19: I Was Born To Make This Film | EXCLUSIVE

sudhir mishra on hazaaron khwaishein aisi turning 9: i was born to make this film | exclusive

As Sudhir Mishra’s Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi completed 19 years today (Apri 15), the auteur director looks back at his most celebrated work during an exclusive interaction with Zoom.

Sudhir, 19 years of Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi…your thoughts?

There are some films that emerge out of a filmmaker’s head on account of who he is essentially. These are films only he can make. Hazaaron… was that film for me. I nurtured the script for many years before making and now it is nurtured. I am known as the Director of Hazaaron which enhances my stature as a filmmaker but also lessens it, because I have made films like Khoya Khoya Chand, Dharavi, Chameli and Serious Men which are as good as Hazaaron …. I nurtured the script for many years before making it and now it nurtures me.

Was Shiney Ahuja your first choice?

I went through a very elaborate casting process and conducted auditions in four cities but found him literally next door. Initially, we tested him for Kay Kay Menon’s part but one look at the audition and I knew he was Vikram.

Isn’t it sad that after such a break Shiney’s career came to such a sorry end?

Yes, it is. A great career snuffed out. I just can’t believe that the Shiney is the same person I know. There were so many women on the sets. They never had any complaints about Shiney’s behaviour. In fact, Shiney made a film with my assistant Ruchi Narain called Kal: Yesterday and tomorrow. Shiney was always a thorough gentleman. Eventually, the woman who accused him of rape withdrew her case. But it was too late. Our film industry ostracised him for something he had not done.

Where do you place Hazaaron… in your oeuvre?

I was born to make Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. Every filmmaker is born to make just one or two films. The rest are all space fillers. K Asif and Mehboob Khan made films other than Mughal-e-Azam and Mother India. But they are known largely for these two films. I do hope I can make something that will take me beyond Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. I think it is one film where the right story found me. It’s right there at the top. Some films change a filmmaker and Hazaaron… changed me. I found a softer side of myself. A more compassionate side.

Do you find it difficult to make films with the same conviction in today’s day and age?

It is more difficult in one way but then it was always difficult. Back in 2005 after the UPA government had taken over, my film Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi was totally ignored at the National Awards. Some of my best friends, and filmmaker-colleagues were sitting in the jury. They chose to honour other films. But does anyone even remember the films that won the National Award that year? Whereas my Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi is discussed for its relevance even today. My point is, you can’t gag what is relevant. The voice will find a way. Watch out for what I am directing now. I am not allowed to speak about it.

So there will be one gagging of the freedom of expression or another?

If you want to see it that way.