Sponsor PFCOne
(17 votes, average: 4.65 out of 5)
Loading ...
“Cinema, the cannibal…it consumes you” Amole Gupte
Aamir Khan is everywhere. You switch any channel and he is there. Good for him and great for the film. But its like what they do in theatre. The spotlight effect. One person gets the spotlight and everything else is dark. We thought about putting the spotlight somewhere else. As Taare Zameen Par released this week, Amole Gupte pens down his first thoughts…do read on….phoenixnu
21st December 2007, Friday, Bakri-Id, amol gupte, Mumbai.
Taare Zameen Par is out. Deepa and I hung around theatres today to gauge the response. Entering the galli of Gaiety/Galaxy, barometer theatres for both viewing and for audience reaction, an old lady passes whispering ‘Taare Zameen Par… Dedh Sau Dedh Sau…’
At such times the pain seems worth it. Delivery.
Standing at the exit gate with sweaty palms… then the crowd comes down. Most people seem to have liked it. More importantly, when questioned about the film, almost all reply that its making them think and rethink about their children. Mission accomplished.
Cinema, the cannibal… It consumes you and expects you to do the same to those around you. So be it. I believe in processes and they give me the reason to exist with pleasure. Taare Zameen Par was born out of my need to spend time with children. I enjoy being with them, understanding life from their point of view, crouched on my knees.
Endless happy hours, the workshops with children from so many schools gave me insight into their mind that was their invaluable gift to me. My own 7-year-old son, Partho…there is so much of him in Ishaan. His rebellion, his spirit, his decision to break, but not to bend over smallest requests, his mad devouring of Dahl and Funke and his novel interpretation post reading. And his art… a circle drawn on a paper washed blue is an oncoming shark’s frontal long shot image. Flip the paper and the circle has grown large, now with jagged teeth – close-up of the approaching shark. I have loved watching my boy up-close.
Deepa and I have nurtured a study group of parents, teachers and children over the years. They shared their lives with us and that’s so personal. I am very grateful to them for that trust. There is a title card in the film that acknowledges their pivotal role without naming them. I thank them again and again.
I can’t write at the desk, need to step out and put my hands in the clay to understand textures, natures, characteristics and behaviours. Every time I hit a road block writing TZP, I went back to the children and surely the truth emerged.
The world of children is a transparent, pure world. It often tires me and drains me out; they have so much energy! Clearly cannot match their zest… But at the end of the day it is the sweet pain of experiencing honesty… as a parent, as an artist, as a chronicler.
I tried to stay true to the processes while prepping for TZP as its writer/director then. Cast all principal characters with unexplored actors, rehearsed and work-shopped with the cast.
I did not involve a casting director because I don’t believe in auditioning children. Would not like them to wilt or wither under performance-for-adults pressure.
I think a lot of children do get daunted when cornered and put under the scanner surrounded by DA, 1st AD, 2nd AD, 2nd’s 2nd, line-p, exec-p, lighting & cam unit, make-up etc all worshipers of ‘Action’ and ‘Cut’.
So I went from school to school looking for my Ishaan. I conducted free art-and-theatre workshops with the children and tried to look for my hero without announcing the search in the workshops. The idea was to give some pleasure to them even as I looked for my protagonist. I searched elsewhere too. Shiamak’s Summer Funk, Smart Potato, Rael Padamsee’s, KEC, Summertime at Prithvi, MDA…
Darsheel, the ‘Ustad’ I found sitting in the backrooms of Shiamak’s Summer Funk classes.
Sachet, who plays elder brother Yohan, came to pick up his younger brother from a Campion school Worshop… one look at him and Deepa grabbed hold of him. I had got my Yohan.
Tanay, who plays Rajan Damodaran, is an angel recommended by Rael. Tanay’s rehearsal, where he wept for the scene, is imprinted in my mind…it was so special.
Vipan, who plays the father, is an old colleague from my guru, Ketan Mehta’s film Mirch Masala. He had been in Canada for the last many years…kind of dug him out.
Bugs Bhargav, I have loved as an actor since JCS. I wrote him in as Mr. Sen and the grammar soliloquy is specially written for him. One of the finest human beings on the planet.
Music and not musac. The song situations with their English lyrics were always a part of the bound script. With SEL, common ground… Mumbai, end 70s beginning 80s…shared love… America, Floyd, Shrinivas Khale… ‘still abloom, the garland of cranes in the sky’ – enjoyed jamming with SEL and Prasoon to create the TZP songs, they were a pleasure to work with. Bonded specially with Shankar and Loy over mutton and music. My pot of thanksgiving is now simmering… got to take it to Purple Haze.
I want to thank my direction team, particularly Ritu Bhatia, Amol Gole, Tanmay Mohan and Shikha Rahi. They were pillars of support that kept me alive and sane in trying times, AND Nakul Kamte for his sound sensibility, Shruti Gupte for being a truly creative art director, and my Deepa for guarding my vision of the film in her edit.
A lot of people are curious about what happened between Aamir and me. It doesn’t seem relevant at this point. All I want to say is that no parent gives up her/his baby by choice. No parent. And I never abandoned my baby. I lost my right to call it my own, that’s all. I was onboard on shoot and I ensured the safety and well-being of my baby. Moreover, Aamir told me that in 17 years as an actor no one had guided him in his performance as I had. That is a huge compliment from such a powerful brand.
By agreeing to play the part of Nikumbh Sir (the name I have given Aamir’s character is the name of my art teacher and Hansraj Morarji Public School Principal, Late Shri R. S. Nikumbh, a tribute to my dear departed teacher) Aamir has done children a great service. It would not have been possible without him to take this message out to the nation. It is unfortunate that it turned out the way it did between us.
Four years ago I wrote an article in the brochure of Tulips School, talking about my work with children. I wrote then that I began this journey with children for the film. The film was the goal and the children the means. But somewhere that changed. It is the film that is the means to the real end which is a better future for all children. By that yardstick, I feel no sorrow.
I lost something, yes, but if I remind myself of my goal, then I feel no sense of loss. An escape to only victory.
A pound of flesh each, they all claimed
A pound of flesh their very aim
Many pounds lighter now
Happy am no heavy weight
Back to school
Waiting for buddies
At the gate
54 Responses to ““Cinema, the cannibal…it consumes you” Amole Gupte”
Leave a Reply
Our Comments Policy : The following kinds of comments are troll capped, blocked and/or commenter's identity reported publicly: Verbal abuse, personal attacks, hate statements, spam, trolls, advertising. Please assist us in keeping the comments clean. Use the contact form to let us know if you find unwarranted comments on PFC. Thank you.
- Amar Akbar Anthony
- K J Singh: Interview Part 1
- Bachna - Take A Hobby Along!!
- The Torture Series 1: Mehndi Rang Layegi
- Gulzarian creations : tread softly, fly high and dive deeply and leave long lasting impression
- The Torture Series 1: Mehndi Rang Layegi
- K J Singh: Interview Part 1
- Amar Akbar Anthony
- Bachna - Take A Hobby Along!!
- MUMBAI MERI JAAN - Bravo!!!
Recent Posts:
Hottest Today:
saw d movie jus few hrs back n i luvd d film…… could relate a lot wid d father’s character and d Ishan’s character both… wish dis movie came out a lot earlier but better late dan never..
hats off to everybody behind dis movie!!!
Dear Mr Gupte
“I can
Amole bhai, I watched the film last night. I’ve also read Anurag Kashyap’s blog on Taare Zameen Par. I’d just like to tell you that you’ve made a great film as well as discovered a true genius in Darsheel.
My brother, with whom I watched it last night, went to watch it again tonight, this time with his girlfriend. Half the people in the theater were sniffing and sobbing. Even I got emotional towards the end, although I suppressed any actual tears.
I’m really glad to hear that you’re finding your objective fulfilled if people are rethinking the way they bring up their kids.
It’s sad to know that things went wrong with Aamir Khan, though.
Anyway, my salutations to you!
Amole frog.
Thats what you made the kids call you.
As I was watching TZP, each and every day that we spent on the film flashed before my eyes. And my first impression of you, the director I was going to work for…I remember seeing you with the children in the first workshop and I thought to myself, “I am in the right place”… To this day, I hold true to that.
All the troubles that we went through, all the bitterness and the problems,…they all suddenly seem to shrink away. Like you said sir, delivery. it makes all of the pain worthwhile.
The film has achieved what it set out to achieve, and every single shot that you had complete conviction in, has rung true. To realise that now, a year and a half from when the journey began (for us), should be a lesson for all of us looking for stories to tell.
If you are true to your tale, it will tell itself. The idea that maybe the audience will not understand it, or the questioning of their sensibilities and ability to grasp subtlety will fade away. Your story WILL reach out to your audience, if your voice rings true enough….
For that invaluable lesson, I thank you Amole frog.
‘A pound of flesh they all claimed’
‘A pound of flesh was their very aim’
‘Many pounds lighter now’
‘Happy am no heavyweight’
I needed that.
Now my New Year can start in earnest….
Thanks Amol. God Bless.
Namaskar Amol.
Havent seen the film BUT have read most of the reviews; and feedback from students.
KUDOS. Richly deserved. And long overdue.
I shall see the film and revert.
TMP would have been super proud of you! And doffed his marvellous moochi at you!
:-)
Amole bhai,
TZP is a great film and even a great script, Hats off to you.
I really dont know what happened between u and aamir, but i sincerely feel that you should have objected aamir taking over the reins long back when you had the choice. I DONT UNDERSTAND why u are crying all over the place now, and trying create sympathy???
When it was your baby, why the hell you have to give away to aamir??? what made u do that? i dont think aamir might have threatened you and stole the script.
Amole, why dont you aacept that aamir actually did a better job of putting your script on screen?
Amole,
That post puts the film in so much more perspective. Thanks so much for sharing your feelings. Can’t begin to imagine your mood right now, but suffice it to say we’re all with you, behind you.
And I must add: loved how you painted Ishaan’s wall.
Sir, my love and respect for you has always been the same.. you have played a big role in my life and after reading this post i feel there always was more and still more to you that i never understood.. regards to you , deepa and your team..
Hi,
Great work by the entire team of Taare Zameen Par. Cant help but appreciate the faith the whole team on the subject.
Hope you keep writing good scripts & directing them Amole.
Deepak
You seldom come across a film(frm newhere in the world)that stays with you forever.TZP is one of those gems.Before writing nething else I wud like to quote Sudhir Misra,as what he says is exactly what my idea of filmmaking is,he said “Saeed Mirza taught me, you can drown in the quicksand of detail and I keep this very close to me. You are not making a film about details. You are creating an ambience, colour, time, and within that you are telling a story which means something to you, now”.TZP,though so subtle & mature in its treatment,is such a powerful film at the core that it blows u away.TZP is beautifully written,lettin us peep into the psychology of a child.Amole Gupte his wife,Deepa Bhatia(Edit & Reasearch)deserve a standing ovation.On the other hand,Aamir Khan lends his sensibility to the subject & has executed the film so well that it keeps u in its grip,nt giving u a single dull moment.Once the movie begins you forget abt where Aamir Khan the actor is coz the child Darsheel Safary,is so incredibly gifted as an actor that u love each & every frame he is in.Making a film on such a dry subject is a challenge & I personally believe nobody else cud hv executed it the way Aamir has done.He has brought “Great sensitivity coupled with quiet aggression” aptly described by Jaideep Sahni(writer of many films incl. Chak De India!).Most of the powerful moments of the film r without dialogues.Aamir superbly shows how intensity can be injected &,emotions be felt strongly with Silence.Aamir Khan as a director is a superb story-teller instead of one of those ones who try to show off their ‘directorial skills’ by emphasising more on flamboyant camerawork,sets etc. instead of the story.He is clear abt what he wants to convey & how he wants it to be conveyed.And when he has such a terrificly written script by Amole Gupte then the power of the medium is felt more strongly.So in the end,I wud like to say is what I wrote in my last post - GO & WATCH TZP,Aamir Khan is single-handedly transforming mainstream Hindi cinema.
Hi Amole,
Good post. I would rather prefer you to come out and clarify your issue with Aamir during the making of TZP. By not doing so, you are taking the sheen away from a great movie. You may not have directed the film - but you should be proud of the way it has turned up. I am shocked that you have not watched the final cut. Its a pity.
Ullas
Amol -
What a gem of a film!! What a fertile mind.
I hope the dispute has been resolved and there is closure. A mind like your should have no place for contempt and such, it should be free to produce more such gems.
The impact of this ought to position you well to have FULL CONTROL over your next babies. Thanks for this baby though, god bless!!
^:)^^:)^^:)^@ya + deepa…i LOVED THE FILM!!!
More power to u both for ur forthcoming projects…=d>
There have been two movies in my life so far which have been with me for my life…movies I have learnt something from…movies which taught me the very basics of living…Forrest Gump and Patch Adams and today an hour back I watched another Movie which I know will remain with me forever..TZM reminded me of my family - I being Yohan’s characted. I cried through the whole film thinking how hard it must have been for my sister who even though didn’t have dyslexia but suffered still because of the maddening race. God Bless You for giving us a different point of view…its that which we needed the most…a small change in “drishtikon” will hopefully lead to a mjor change in behaviour..May our kids be better off than how we were. I know I will make sure of that.
AMOLE SIR,
I AM ONE OF YOUR STUDENTS FROM MET institute of mass media.i remember each and every strenous class you conducted with us.every word of interaction and knowledge sharing left a deep rooted impact on me as a student of cinema.your unbashed spirit and geniune love for the art comes across unsaid.
i particularly remember you discussing the entire script to TZP with us.when i saw the moivie couple of days back it felt amazing when the entire movie flowered and sprang up in front of me.
i still remember you asking us on first day,”the reason for being here”. PAISA KAMANA HAI TO COMPANY KHOLO, YOU HAD SAID.
neways sir would like to wish you loads of luck and a prayer to promote and put light on cinema and its whereabouts for rookies like us.
Hello Amole,
The movie was fantastic..It was the first time I witnessed the entire auditorium clapping when the movie was finished..A good story …Great acting from Darsheel and Aamir…Kudos to you for writing a good story like this …The movie brought tears in my eyes and not only to me but to most of them who watched it…Good lesson to children as well as to the parents….Great work…I guess all the efforts and Pain which you took has paid to you. Kudos to you…..All the very best for your future Endeavours……….
I had been reading the constant buzz around tzp, saw it last nite and now saw the post and read everything written about the film.The whole thing seems odd, if amole gupte found the kid(that’s huge!), did the locations and the music and the casting and the other things that go into the planning of a film and was then present through the shoot as he says,then his wife edited the film, what was aamir’s role? Seems odd that a guy is supposedly removed but stays in aamir’s words on the cd jacket ‘to guide and even correct me’ How can someone incapable guide the one chosen to replace him? Weird! Don’t you think both should have gotten the credit as directors? I also wonder if he wrote such a fab script, then chose this wonderkid, got the lovely songs which are in the film, how could he have gone wrong shooting? Anyway, such are the ways of this industry….Only the two of them know the truth. And the film is fab and that means a lot.
Amole sir …. thanks for TZP ^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^
and phonix .. as always … thanks for this
Hi Sir,
All i want to say is thanks a lot you. Your story reminded me a lot of what i had to suffer as a child. I was crying for around 60% of the movie, and was not able to sleep the whole night. I know its difficult for any one to understand what goes through a childs mind at that time, but the way you have portrayed it, it really deserves a lot of credit.
Thanks a lot for understanding kids, i hope few kids will suffer because of all this race factor in future. I hope parents attitude towards their own child will be a lot better after watching this.
I wish you could have released this movie earlier, and my parents could have watched it.
“And I never abandoned my baby. I lost my right to call it my own…”
—–
Well said sir. Need one say anything more… You seem to be a rare, generous soul Amole!!
Hi outstanding film in all respects. no idea what must have gone wrong but most importantly, it doesn’t show on screen. what does is your dedication and empathy and love and hard work… congratulations to you and your team on a spectacularly made film…. the best i’ve seen in ages… look fwd to your next film….
shridhar
Dear Sir,
As an spiring filmmaker I can only imagine what you must be going through right now - somehow sends shudders through my spine.
I definitely salute the effort and nobility to try to get this film made amidst much personal strife.
However, as a film lover and an audience member, please allow me to voice my dissent about the praise TZP is being showered with. I felt that much of the movie is static and reduntant; filled with one dimensional characters; and assumes a preaching tone with no real solutions in the offering. I thought it was too long and should have been a short film. The character of Nikumbh seemed card board like. I thought maybe the movie would have worked much better if it was much shorter without the Nikumbh character making the mother the central supporter of Ishaan. She was one character I kind of connected with and then, she disappeared.
Again, not wanting to take away from the effort - but thought it is important to point out that as a film it did not work for me only with the hope that much better cinema will follow TZP. Bes t Regards.
AMOL SIR,
i am one of your students from met mass media .was really great to witness the the entire script take life, which you discussed with us ,without any hint of apprehension and utmost humility.seeing the movie flower into such a collosal force was very emotional for me.
in your foundation classes with us you clearly demarcated the reason for being in the course.”paisa kamana hai to company kholo “,you had said.truely we should question our motives when we go into extensive use of this massive art form called cinema.
TZP does just that for me.i found it extremely honest when you had 1st read out the script to us and when i 1st saw it.
Thank you again sir and would wish you for your future endevours.
Ram Mohan,
Nikhumb - a cardboard character? You should watch the Art Mela winner announcement scene, in which Nikhumb gets all excited when the principal gives a hint..
if we were to classify Nikhum’s character in a particular character’s category, then.. a confidant character?
:)>- A brilliant piece of work!
This message is for Amol (writer and creative director). Hi Amol, Thank you very much for the wonderful script. I am sure your help to Aamir during the making of the movie must have been very valuable as he has repeatedly acknowledged your contributions to the making of this movie. However it doesn
dear amole,
i am growing up with a dyslexic child so i know just what u all have done, and how important it was.
it used to get so tiring to explain to the “normals and the parents of the normals who were normal themselves” that your child was not dumb, that kids like him have difficulties with the reading writing and maths, but yet have superior intelligence.
this would never enter their heads that how can a child who CANT STUDY be having SUPERIOR INTELLIGENCE.
you and aamir made one movie and now the normals, the well meaning aunties and the mummies of the other bacchas all understand!!!
i just love you gems god bless you.
I was asking this mummy who told me about the TZP film about an abacus class which my son could join and she instantly said will he like it: (in other words will he be able to manage it)?
i have a request to you: can you show the footage of the play way approach with which you went about the filming: preferabley the full unedited version: i assure you it would be very important footage for all educators, drama people, teachers, parents, people who work with children, people who are getting ready to work with children. and you and your team have the entire play way approach on camera. you must save it and share it. i do social work writing and research so i can feel it would be very important and educationally relevant. please do get in touch if you can!
loves and god bless to your entire team.
monisha and manan(he is my son)
[Admin Note: Please do not publish your email id]
Dear Amole,
In an earlier comment I had argued and sided Aamir khan for taking up TZP.That was before watching the movie.
After watching TZP I feel you could have done an equally good or an even better job..somehow felt that..You really deserved to call TZP completely urs.
Although I would not like to belive that there was a selfish interest from Aamirs part to take up the project.Somehow it was not fair.With the same technicians and such love for kids and belief in this subject you could have only done a better job.
I disagree with the climax and some other sequences.But thats miniscule.
Congrts for the wonderful work!
Amol saab
film dekhi. i ve a long experience of working with kids. from theatre workshops to television serials…. but TZP dekhne ke bad sirf yehi keh sakta hoon ki ‘I m humbled.’
THANX Amol….. n i mean it. U ve given an importent film to us.
Mr. Gupte, thankyou sir for such a beautiful film. I have been staring at this page for the last five minutes wondering what to say…..i have no words..i have cried and i have laughed in the film….some remaining emotions are beyond comprehension..am still trying to decipher them…Eshaan was amazing….what a genuine and great performer…what a simple yet effective story telling…its a very important film for our times… for the parents and for everyone…finally the film has restored my belief in the fact that the best things in life are simple and for free…and how beautifully its been captured, eshann capturing the fish from the muddy water…and the moment of it after he puts them in the jar…its beautiful…the scene when he looks at the mud puddle…the scene where he looks at the birds being fed by the mother.. the scene where he is thrown out of the class and he does all the possible mischief, all by himself, the scene where his parents are leaving him and going.. that last tight close up of his.. the scene where his mother calls him and he doesn’t talk.. and I could go on and fill the pages.. .him sitting alone on the lake brilliant. last sequence the painting competition… brilliant..
we have invented the best gadgets but have forgotten how to live life….we have complicated our own selves….there are other things in life the simpler things… thankyou for saying that as well…
And as you have rightly said, no body could have made this film, as it is being made without the backing and vision of comeone like Aamir… thank you AAmir… a ‘filmmaker’ is born..I wouldn’t say the doors for the future filmmakers has been opened, but the ventilator has been created..
As I was leaving the hall…someone in front of me was talking.. “AND THE TRAGEDY OF ALL THIS IS THAT OSO WILL WALK AWAY WITH ALL THE AWARDS”
I wonder, does it really matter!!
There is nothing more I can say that this is brilliant movie. But more than that it has come at so very right time. It is about time that our country learns to “manage” its kids. It is now that this movie should be made compulsory viewing for all school teachers throughout the country. How often have we been reading in newspaper, the incidents where teachers physically hurt kids, even giving them electric shocks.
Kudos to Aamir khan for being a part of such a movie. He stands in league of its own when other stars are busy dancing in weddings.
Saw TZP over the weekend and really liked it. Kudos to Amole Gupte for a sensitive script, the glorious music and above all, for casting Darsheel in the lead role.
While I don’t think the movie is a masterpiece, it has its moments of greatness - especially in the first half evocation of a child’s inner world. Hats off to Aamir for so eloquently taking us into a child’s mind!
That said, this article has made me lose some respect for Amole Gupte. It’s so, what’s the word - graceless. These sort of public lamentations about having to “give up your baby” etc., are embarrassing and childish. Whatever happened between you and Aamir - YOU agreed to it!
In every single interview, Aamir has diligently and freely given you credit for your contributions to the film. He’s gone out of his way to make sure the “spotlight” shines on you as well. How about displaying an equal amount of dignity and magnanimity and acknowledging AAMIR’s contribution to the film?
me,gautam,mitul and vikas walked into the cinema hall…..me nearing 30 others well past….left the hall with soggy eyes and a grainy voice….thank you sir…TZP connects…
“kya itna bura hun main maa..”
thats a thought i have been hounded with all the time in my school life..maybe even now…
Waiting for more…and wish you a great new year…
Amole……..TZP is a beautiful movie. I was very excited to watch it coz I had read so much about it. Secondly, I’ve studied in the same school in Panchgani (New Era High School) where the movie was shot. The idea of seeing the school had me really going.
Though the movie might have a couple of shortcomings (which can be another discussion altogether) they are negligible in comparison to the subject. In our country it is very very important to educate people about such issues so they know that someone who is not ’smart’ as per the society standards is not necessarily stupid. That there is a gray area in between. That people are different and unique….And this movie said it very well, without being a documentary on the subject.
I wouldn’t want to comment on the issue between you and AK but I think his presence might have helped the film in getting the common man’s attention.
All said though, the film is your baby….the fact that you and your wife did all those paintings itself says wht kind of work you have put in.
Thank you.
thanks a lot, amol gupte for bringing your work with children on to the big screen. watching TZP was a very fulfilling & enriching experience. hope to see many more such films which will make us understand children better. and this time with you directing them.
For Amole Gupte (if he reads this)
As I was watching Taare… I was thinking, this is a huge coincidence, an art teacher with the same name as my high school art teacher (RS Nikumbh). I googled and discovered this article by you about how you named the character after Nikumbh sir. Thats so amazing! We all loved him. He wasn’t principal when I was in HMPS (Datar sir was). So I am guessing you passed tenth after me (I passed SSC in 1991). Anyway, I was so excited, I had to write this comment, whether you see it or not.
Amit
Hi Amit, amol replying… Nikumbh Sir was not my principal, Dr. P. N. Saathoo was. Sir was my magical art-teacher… still get the fragrance of bubbling batik wax from the art room… i passed out in 78. Nikumbh Sir became the principal after Datar Sir… throughout the period from my passing out in 78 to 93 i remained umblically connected to Nikumbh Sir and even Naamvar Sir. My nephews Yogesh and Abhishek benefitted from Nikumbh Sir’s guidance as the principal of the school. So, here’s to Nikumbh Sir! (i had requested the star to insert a card in memory of Sir in tzp… but he flatly refused.) I spoke to Raju and Meera and their mother (Sir’s family) and paid my respects. You see, Nikumbh Sir is no more…
@ Amole,…”The Star” :) …Its sad he refused :(
Amole - a huge thank you for writing such a wonderful sceenplay and i would also like you to pass on this messee to deepa. her editing reminded me of Renu Saluja.such fluid cuts.
Amole,
It’s an excellent script and film. Despite the misgivings, I hope you appreciate the magical way in which “the star” has directed the film. I just loved how simply the story was told… I took an American family with me to see the film and they were all in tears by the end of it. It’s probably hard to do, but you should try and enjoy this moment and allow yourself to feel proud of all the hard work you have done to throw light on this subject. I think you have succeeded in more ways than most people ever do. Congratulations!
Best, Sid
Amole - Saw your movie today and loved your script, and the honesty with which it was brought onto the screen.
Perhaps a tougher honesty was yours, when you let go of your baby because circumstance forced you to choose between your rights of parenthood, and your baby’s good (and indeed the greater good.) ‘The impact of this ought to position you well to have FULL CONTROL over your next babies.’ Very true!
There are many who, like me, really look forward to your next venture.
Regards, Vivek
Hi Amole,
Taare Zameen par is a huge hit “only” because of the excellent effort you have put in your screenplay/story. Most movies are duds these days due to the bad story despite “big stars” directing /starring in them . So take a bow sir.. the movie is all yours… Hope to see more masterpeices from you and to see you getting all the credit ..
^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^
Why so much negativity,Amole? Everybody is appreciating your “baby” and your hard work. If Aamir Khan is such a villain, why did you even work with him? There are many other actors and production houses who would have let you direct the movie.
Dear Amole,
There is no doubt about the fact that TZP is a hit because of the script,dialogues and music.All of which was worked upon by you..So why worry if Aamir is getting the spotlight?
He has done a superb job as a director.Fabulous.But now direction should be more challenging for you-to match up to Aamir’s level.I’m waiting for your next film.And this time we want it to be directed by YOU.I’m sure you’ll do EXREMELY well.No two thoughts about it.
Also,Amole if I could work with you…on anything !!! I don’t want any money..I earn enough through my job..but please..if you have ANY ANY ANY kind of work ..just let me know..I wanna start making movies now..67979284.Do let me know.Remember,ANY work is fine as long its you I’m working with.BTW,am decent at painting things.So..:P Plzzz…do take me as ur assistant in ANYTHING.I don’t care what it is.
Regards,
Divya.
Hello Mr.Gupte,
I don’t know what to say to you regarding the issue with Aamir. Star power has its positives and negatives, I guess.
But the most important thing here is that I LOVED TZP. I could relate to Ishaan in so many ways, understand his loneliness, his rebellion. It was wonderful. It felt like I was re-living my childhood. It was catharsis for me. Thank you for the movie!
Dear Amol
Thanks so much for your reply (I didn’t even think you would read the note). I am indeed sad to hear that Nikumbh sir has passed away. I remember his signature so vividly, he used to make a portrait out of the “R” and “S”. Its amazing how many things are there tucked away in memory just waiting to pop out. I haven’t recalled any of this (batic, even HMPS) in a long time. This has made me remember so many things I loved about HMPS. I don’t live in Bombay anymore, but whenever I visit I take a walk all over the campus. My favorite activity is staring into the mess recalling all those meals…
Dear Amol Gupte,
I saw TZP but never knew about your association with Nikumbh SIR and HMPS till just now when one of my old freind called and told me the connection. I was thrilled and wanted to communicate with you so i searched the net and the first site I found I am writing this note for you. I was staying with Nikumbh SIR in HMPS I dont have words to discribe his personality, he was really out of this world! Thanks for this tribute to a great personality he has changed many students life …..
Some time back i had been to HMPS and there I came to know about the demice of SIR and Dilip, if you have any contact of Raju or Meera please let me know.
You have done a great job thanks again
- Avinash Bidkar
[...] was nervous as usual but Phonix got talking to him (he had done a brilliant interview-post of sorts for PFC with Amole Gupte ..in case you haven’t read it yet .. do read it [...]
hi Amol
just wanted to ask you….
doNT you think that the kid winning a painting competition was the anti- of what the film actually was… as in should NT the “victory” be on a different level rather than winning the competition…
also, why does it look that the first half & the second half seem to be directed by two different people??
regards
ujjwal
& since you like majidi’s film making : just to support the point : like in children of heaven, the more important victory of the kid was NOT the victory of the race… as in the race in that sense was completely irrelevant the victory was on a diff level altogether…
regards
ujjwal
Amol Ji - The after-effect of watching your Taare Zameen Par is still covering me all over…
I was very happy to have seen this movie.
But, I am a pinch happier to have landed in your blog understanding the roots of the movie.
Hearty appreciations from me and my family.
I pray for you to set higher benchmarks, amidst your colleagues who are rather intent on making their net-worth and image swell.
=d>
K. Venkat Raghavan
[...] were R.S.Nikumbh. This was too much of a coincidence. Google came to the rescue. I discovered this articleby Amol Gupte, the writer, on how he came upon a name for the Aamir Khan character. He has indeed [...]
wish this reaches amole gupte. one person on this earth i would like to hug is you sir. aftr i saw tzp for the frst time i was shocked. that was what me and my friend wanted to make 3 years back. we wanted to come out with the same msg but due to no technical knowledge we decided that would be our first film. when we saw the meassage been executed so wonderfully we felt wonderful. it was finally made.
when i read this today…you remind me of roark… you are roark for me. roark made many drawings for his dear friend hoping that the building would be constructed coz thats what mattered to him…thats what u have done…coz the film being made was more important than who is making it…
watching tzp was like watching majid majidi film….it was lovely…one day i will see you and hug u for making it happen…thanx
(wish this reaches him)