I would say it's something that needs to be told to the world. Because when Devdas went to Cannes, no one was willing to acknowledge the fact, as if some people wanted it to fade into oblivion.
Are you a happy man now?
More than myself or Devdas, I feel proud that our cinema's given such a recognition in the west.
Many in the west say our mainstream cinema isn't the true representation of our culture.
I don't agree with that. Indians sing and dance on every occasion. Where else do you find such exuberance?
What do you say about parallel cinema in India?
To me Mr & Mrs Iyer is as important as Devdas. As are Ray's Pather Panchali and Asif's Mughal-e-Azam. Let's celebrate the abundance of style and genres we have and let's not get snobbish here.
Are you still hurt with the scathing reviews Devdas got?
Devdas isn't real cinema. It is my tribute to all the mainstream masters. Critics should have criticised my film within the genre and...
THIS ARTICLE IS PRICELESS...
To read this piece, and more such stories in India's most exciting and exacting magazine, plus get access to our 25-year archives goldmine, please subscribe.
