Returning to direction after 16 years, Ramesh Sippy, gets talking about his passion for filmmaking, Sholay and upsetting Dev Anand

 

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 28, 2011)

What made you return to direction after 16 years?

The urge to make films that I possessed when I was 16-years-old, is still there. And I want to satisfy that urge. The more pertinent question would be ‘Why did I not direct for 16 years?’

And the answer to that is…

Those were the days when piracy had invaded the industry and Hindi cinema had started to deteriorate. I wanted to take a step back and take stock of the situation. It is always good to reflect, isn’t it? Maybe, I took too long. This sabbatical also coincided with my son Rohan growing up. Trying to help him get into his stride, took away some time as well. Now that he is settled, I am free to pursue my original passion.

Did you never want to hire young directors like Yash Chopra?

Everyone is free to do what he wants. I do not think like him. As for me returning to direction at 64… if Clint Eastwood can direct films at 75, why can’t I? It’s not like I went to the mountains and wasn’t in touch with Bollywood.

Do you think Hindi cinema has deteriorated with time?

To be honest, we had rubbish films even then. And there is nothing that doesn’t undergo change. In fact, now, if you look around, you’ll find that the audience is not rejecting a good film – be it No One Killed Jessica, Tanu Weds Manu or Singham. But yes, the audience today More >