Meghna Gulzar: My success and failure are entirely my own
Director Meghna Gulzar opens up on childhood, her parents' separation, the Gulzar surname and her upcoming film Dayra.
Filmmaker Meghna Gulzar has shared her journey, from her childhood to the making of her upcoming film Dayra, in an interview. She spoke candidly about her parents' separation, the weight of the Gulzar surname and box office arithmetic.
Meghna, daughter of noted lyricist Gulzar and actress Rakhee, learnt Kathak, sitar, karate, ballet and painting as a child. She said that although her parents separated, both lived their lives with great dignity and never let her feel she came from a broken home. Both were always present at every school function. Meghna said she is proud of the Gulzar surname from the heart, but does not like being seen only through that lens. She said her success and failure should be entirely her own.
After some films flopped early in her career following Filhaal, Meghna had distanced herself from direction. But filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj gave her the valuable advice of directing Talvar instead of staying home after becoming a mother. The film completely changed her life.
On her upcoming film Dayra, Meghna clarified that it is not based on any single incident, but is a composite of several true incidents that occur in society. Speaking about her experience of working with South superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran, she said how important it is to win the trust of actors.
In the interview, she said that despite her parents' separation, there was never any shortfall in her upbringing and the love she received. After staying away from direction following early setbacks, she made a strong comeback with Talvar at Vishal Bhardwaj's urging. On box office arithmetic, Meghna said she would never compromise on the true spirit and honesty of a story just for commercial success or earnings.
She also credited her father Gulzar's contribution, saying the songs he has written for her films are his best work yet. Speaking about her father's guidance, she said that after writing the complete script, she shows it to him first and takes his honest feedback.
Meghna also praised actress Konkona Sen Sharma's acting, saying she acts with such ease it seems like child's play. She also said producers like Vineet Jain, who fearlessly bring important stories to the screen, are hard to find in the industry.
