Kalpana Lajmi
On 15th May, 2010 a session of MASTER MANTRA with one of the most reputed female directors of our country, Kalpana Lajmi, left a remarkable impact in every one’s mind present out there. The conversation started with Lajmi speaking about her family and her entry into the array of cinema.The realist film-maker always believes in saving time and money. She started her career as an assistant costume designer in Shyam Benegal’s “BHOOMIKA”. She made her directorial debut with the documentary “D.G MOVIE PIONEER” in 1978. Lajmi debuted as a film director in 1986 with “EK PAL”. Her next film was the critically acclaimed “RUDALI”, starring Dimple Kapadiya, who won the “National Film Award” for best actress. Again in 2001, “DAMAN”, starring Ravina Tendon won another “National Film Award” for best actress. Taking pride in calling herself a student of cinema, this legendary lady encouraged everyone to love and appreciate world movies. She concluded her session by saying “Experiment with your creativity, because creativity never dies…………………..”
Javed Akhtar
For over thirty years now, Javed Akhtar has been one of the most influential, creative forces in Bollywood. He is one of those very few who enjoy superstardom in Bollywood.
The team of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar brought the writer to the forefront as never before in Indian cinema. They were the first to make the writer as much a star in his own right.
While sharing his experiences with the young film aspirants Javed Saab talked about his background and the education that he acquired to get into this industry. He talked about the willingness to find answers out of life and to learn everyday …the moment you stop learning you’re finished….the key is to keep learning…keep reading..keep writing…I think I have yet not achieved what I could have…”
Answering queries in a question and answer session with the ZIMA students Mr. Akhtar said that though we’ve improved technically a lot and it’s a something we should be very proud of but as far as the content goes there’s lack of finesse. He applauded the work of some of the young filmmakers and some experimental films in today’s bolly wood but felt that overall there is a lack of good scripts and subjects. A film takes its heroes and characters from the society but in today’s world there’s no notion of good and bad because there is no clear cut morality. Earlier Films had heroes and villains unlike today’s where is there’s a very thin line between them. He told the wanna be students of Zee Institute of Media Arts that building a particular concept, reading and doing a thorough research on a subject will form a good script. He inspired students by sharing facts that they could use as tips for their career ahead. He asked them to have faith in what they did and this would steer them to success.
Awards Javed Akhtar has won 7 Filmfare Awards for his Hindi lyrics. In the year 2004-2005, all the nominated songs were written by him.
He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 and received the Padma Bhushan in 2007
Sanjay Gadhvi
On 7th of May, ZIMA invited one of the finest writers, directors of this era Sanjay Gadhvi, who made his directorial debut with “Tere Liye” (2000). His first film with “Yash Raj films” was “MERE YAAR KI SHAADI HAI” (2002). The film enjoyed moderate success. He got fame with his block-blaster action thriller “DHOOM” (2004). The film was a huge hit and practically revived the careers of the actors and actresses starring in the movie. After that he directed the sequel to “DHOOM”, which is called “DHOOM 2”. The film, famous for its stunts, came out as the highest grosser of 2006. Lastly he did “KIDNAP”, that did average in box-office.