my teachers...and the making of a perfect film

Dadu, the late Bhimsain, had a musical way of looking at the world
Reflected in his poetry, in his appreciations of life
And nature, people, eulogies on the past, nostalgia for the future
A dewdrop on a leaf, beauty of love, passionate, intense love
Capturing that feeling, intensity in the characters

Saeed (Mirza) uncle, emotional too, but not as much for the relationships between the characters
As the backdrop of political mayhem, injustice, intolerance and inequality
Political angst and anger in his works
No beauty, just reality of our times, the muck and grunge we live in
Every film must come with a concept, a theme, an idea, a philosophy, a message

Dad, a philosopher in his own right
But more technically sound
Packaging, important to him
Salvaging a film at the edit table
Entertaining people, keeping it engaging, far more important
Over the essential content
Doesn't matter if the message doesn't go through
As long as the audience is hooked

Amole Gupte, on performances
Ethical leadership and filmmaking
Making cinema with honesty and integrity
Ensuring that what the film stands for should also be reflected in its making
Shooting cinema verite, catch them off guard
Keep it rolling, improvising, naturally performing

Zoya Akhtar, briefing the actors by moving in closer
Praising an actor for their performance
"One for love!"
Democratic leadership
Organized teamwork, strong ADs
Acting out choreography

Nakul Sahdev, for his experience in production
In kicking start projects
Understanding detailing in performances
Keeping cool, and getting stuff done
Coming up with ideas and suggestions
Being polite, treating everyone with respect