Is Hansal Mehta Reflecting on Freedom and Loneliness?

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Is Hansal Mehta Reflecting on Freedom and Loneliness?

Synopsis

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta dives deep into the essence of freedom and loneliness, sharing a poignant Bukowski couplet on Instagram. He reflects on his past experiences during film shoots, emphasizing the importance of self-care and enjoying one’s own company. Discover how he transformed his approach to life and filmmaking.

Key Takeaways

  • Self-reflection is key to understanding personal freedom.
  • Health should be prioritized, especially in demanding professions.
  • Cooking and exercise can enhance mental well-being.
  • Art and personal experiences often intertwine.
  • Learning from past mistakes can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Mumbai, July 13 (NationPress) Filmmaker Hansal Mehta is reflecting on the concepts of freedom and loneliness. This past Sunday, he utilized the Stories feature on his Instagram to share a poignant couplet by Charles Bukowski.

The excerpt states, “And when nobody wakes you up in the morning. And when nobody waits for you at night. And when you can do whatever you want, what do you call it? Freedom or loneliness?”

In a previous post, the director recounted his unhealthy habits during the filming of Kangana Ranaut’s “Simran,” which ultimately resulted in a heart stent a year later. He mentioned, “Long outdoor shoots don’t have to be stressful. They can be meditative - if you’re not busy running away from yourself. While making Simran I spent months doing just that. Escaping pressure with food, drink, anything that numbed. It didn’t help. Less than a year later I had a stent in my heart. Denial it turns out isn’t much of a health plan.”

However, Mehta has since learned valuable lessons. Now, during outdoor shoots, he ensures to stay in an apartment equipped with a kitchen where he prepares his own meals and incorporates regular exercise. “Since then, I follow one rule: always stay in an apartment with a kitchen. I carry a few basic appliances (most of which I leave behind for someone on the crew), cook my own food, exercise, shoot and somewhere along the way I’ve learned to enjoy my own company,” the ‘Aligarh’ creator noted.

The post also featured a snapshot of his meal comprising Rajma rice and eggs, accompanied by some raw onions.

His most recent film was the gripping thriller ‘The Buckingham Murders,’ starring Kareena Kapoor, Keith Allen, Ranveer Brar, Prabhleen Sandhu, Sarah-Jane Dias, and Manish Gandhi in pivotal roles, among others.

Presented by Balaji Telefilms, the film was produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Mahana Films, and TBM Films.

Point of View

I find Hansal Mehta's introspection on freedom and loneliness particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world. His experiences remind us of the need for self-care amidst the pressures of our professional lives. It's crucial to foster a balance that allows for both creative expression and personal well-being.
NationPress
13/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired Hansal Mehta to reflect on freedom and loneliness?
Hansal Mehta was inspired by a couplet from Charles Bukowski that questions the essence of freedom and loneliness.
How did Hansal Mehta's past experiences influence his current lifestyle?
After facing health issues during the filming of 'Simran,' he adopted a healthier lifestyle by cooking his own meals and ensuring regular exercise during outdoor shoots.
What was Hansal Mehta's recent film?
His latest film is the thriller 'The Buckingham Murders,' featuring a star-studded cast.