Bombay Talkies reigned; there was something different about this production house. It had left an impact in the history of Cinema. As much as the revival of the production house is anticipated, it is surprising. What do you have to say?
Ans : Its not surprising at all ,yes we are back and we had to be back on public demand, with millions of fans, well wishers and the movie connoisseurs from across the country & globe writing and pouring requests for the legendary and the largest production house of Asia and in India to make its comeback and the undying passion and emotions of everyone compelled us to do so.
With more than 80 years of rich experience, having produced 103 films, largest ever by any production house in Asia , we have created history and our passion for films has given a new dimension and a new direction to Indian cinema with an enterprising team to prove its second innings. For the period in cinematic history it represented, Bombay Talkies was the most innovative & highly resourced studio & thus employed some of the globally most acclaimed technicians & creative resources like Franz Osten & Niranjan Pal.
Bombay Talkies has aquired a reputation of changing the aesthetics & technology of Indian & World cinema. Bombay Talkies has been the first production house to pioneer a full fledged studio catering to post production under one roof in those days, being ahead of its times is Bombay talkies forte and USP. Comeback was simply inevitable and we have suprises stored for the audience.
Well, following your grandfather’s footsteps must be challenging. What would you retain from his legacies and what would you want to change ?
- My grandfather Rajnarayan Dube,Devika Rani ,Himanshu Rai were not just legends and visionaries but universally acknowledged as the ‘Pillars of Indian Cinema’. They had pursued their passion with conviction and dedication & we are treading the same path with immense dedication, hard work and a vision to scale new heights. We have set the ball rolling and will prove our mettle & dominance yet again through our passion for creating breathtaking cinema that’s much ahead of its time.
Chahe Koi mujheJunglee Kahen sounds interesting & will be directed by legendary comedian Johnny Walker’s son, Nassir Khan. How’s it working with him?
Nasir khan, son of legendary actor Johnny Walker has a rich heritage & this incredible lineage of more than 300 films in his family has given him a terrific unparalleled understanding of the Indian cinema of more than 300 films. We share family relations with him since many decades & we could not have thought of anyone else but him for the top job. His understanding coupled with our passion & advanced technology is a fantastic combination. Nasir khan has managed to retain the best of the glorious era of Indian cinema & yet has evolved immensely keeping up pace with the fast changing landscape of the film industry. He is extremely talented and hardworking and our 103 rd production venture had to be handed over to a passionate and creative maker like him. The entire technical team has been hand picked keeping the tradition of Bombay Talkies alive of attracting the most talented technical crew & setting up very high technical standards for every project. The entire team is excited & proud about the much awaited productions house’s comeback.
What genre of films will Bombay Talkies be producing, heard the production house will be a launch pad for budding film makers & actors?
Historically, Bombay Talkies earned a reputation of having created impact with extremely diverse genres & sometimes even bold & controversial subjects. We will continue the same tradition & style & concentrate on all geners as an when we move ahead.
Bombay Talkies has been credited of launching careers of some of the most prolific legends like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar, Madhubala, Satyajeet Ray, Shasdhar Mukherjee, Vimal Roy, Dev Anand, Mehmood, Ashok Kumarji & 280 other legends & shaping careers of many such famous Indian film industry personalities. We will continue the tradition of giving opportunities to such talents who are capable and are willing to dedicate themselves for the betterment of Indian cinema
Bombay Talkies remains the most well loved Indian institution & its International cult status adds a sense of responsibility for us to set up new benchmarks and new standards in Indian cinema.
Abhay the actor… What do you enjoy the most in film making ?
Ans :- My heart lies in Film making. It flows in my genes. Acting is something new that I am about to venture which I’m anxious & excited about but talking about film making…it’s something I enjoy the most. It is a team work, there is this synergies of enthusiasm working on a particular thing. All aspects of film making excite me. But I am certainly game for acting now.
You will be making your acting debut with the latest production, tell us more about it?
Ans :- The very own title of the film is exciting… Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe! It reminds of Saira Aunty…I really admire her & I am a big fan. Infact this project is inspired by her. This project is important for each of us. It has to be nothing less than the earlier productions of Bombay Talkies. It has to create magic & I see the efforts put in by each member related to Bombay Talkies. We have our legendary comedian Johnny Walker’s son Nassir Khan on board with us. It is a very ambitious project for us. We call it project 103.
Source : Lokesh Shastri