A chemical engineer by qualification, but a film-maker at heart, Nagesh Kukunoor , was recently at LaMakaan in the city, to talk about Rang De, a non-profit organisation, which aims to provide micro-credit to people who don’t have access to bank loans. Team Expresso chats with the Hyderabadi filmmaker about his latest projects and Rang De.
The evening began only to be interrupted by a torrential downpour. We scrambled indoors, too many people in a too-small space. But, the minute Nagesh Kukunoor started talking again, everyone present had forgotten about the damp and claustrophobia, and was purely mesmerized by his charisma. The hall was packed — young filmmakers, students, die-hard fans.
Engineering to filmmaking
Born and brought up in the city of pearls, Kukunoor studied chemical engineering, but was always a true movie buff. Ask him how he convinced himself and his parents about the change in his career path, and he promptly replies, “The former took a long time, but, the latter, a mere five minutes. I believe that most of the battles are in one’s head. The moment my parents saw my seriousness and realized that it was not just a passing fancy, they were on board with the idea.”
Director vs. Actor
Kukunoor débuted as an actor in ‘Hyderabad Blues’. So which role does he prefer to play — actor or director? “I have been trained longer as an actor rather than a director. But, this has just made me direct actors better. I am surely a director first!” was his emphatic reply.
Journey as a filmmaker
Kukunoor, who began his career making films in English, shifted to Hindi to tell his stories. “A lot of people think that I started my career with ‘Iqbal’, which is untrue. The reason I shifted from English to Hindi was because when I have a rural set up in my film, it would be very odd to hear everyone speak in perfect English. Also, the language worked for me, so I decided to stick with it,” added the unconventional film-maker.
Of all the movies that he has worked on, which is his favourite?
“‘Hyderabad Blues’! I would call it my film of discovery. Every moment in that virgin journey was a “wow” moment, which can’t ever be duplicated. But, I also believe that films are a function of time. If I watch ‘Hyderabad Blues’ now, I would cringe! And, I am pretty sure if I make another ‘Hyderabad Blues’ now, it will not receive the same acclaim as it did years ago,” he said.
So when he makes a film, does he do it for himself or for the audiences?
According to Kukunoor, “ Any director would be lying if he said that he makes films for his audiences. Actually, it is a very selfish expression. The entire journey of film-making is a joyous experience. The journey of telling a story to such a large audience and convincing them on this one idea is highly fulfilling.”
Rang De
Kukunoor has been chosen as the face of Rang De, and the evening at LaMakaan was a way to create awareness about this three-year-old initiative and his recent association with the same. “When they approached me and explained the concept, I loved it! I accepted the offer immediately. And, I want to make it very clear that I am not taking any money for his initiative,” said Kukunoor, adding, “Anyone willing to invest an amount as low as Rs 100, can make their contribution, and become social investors.”
Ask about the benefits of this system, and he opines, “People in the rural areas, who are unable to reach banks, or provide collateral, can borrow money from Rang De, and repay it within a span of one year or so, paying an interest at a flat rate of 8.5 per cent. Plus, investors will receive a return of two per cent, and in the process, also do their bit for the society. I will also be investing some money in Rang De.” Post the one-hour long session with Kukunoor, followed the screening of his latest film, ‘Aashayein’.
