How Did Mahesh Bhatt Shape the Skills of His New Director?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mentorship is crucial in the growth of new filmmakers.
- Personal experiences can significantly influence storytelling.
- Women’s empowerment is a central theme in Suhrita's work.
- Transitioning from literature to cinema presents unique challenges.
- Raw and authentic narratives resonate deeply with audiences.
Mumbai, Sep 20 (NationPress) Renowned filmmaker and producer Mahesh Bhatt, recognized for his commitment to nurturing new talent in Hindi cinema, has shared insights on how he cultivated the skills of Suhrita Das, the first-time director of his forthcoming production ‘Tu Meri Poori Kahani’.
In a conversation with IANS in Andheri West, Mumbai, he detailed Suhrita's inspiring journey.
He revealed, “The journey began with her unique life experiences. Hailing from Kolkata, I met her during the Durga Puja festival, 11 years ago. She shared how the festival focused on women. Though she is a hairdresser by profession, married with two children, there was an inner restlessness within her driven by a passion for writing. She believes that women should pursue their interests regardless of their domestic roles. Interestingly, she mentioned she cuts hair with her left hand and writes with her right, which captivated me.”
Intrigued, he requested her writing samples, which showcased a raw intensity that impressed him.
He continued, “While working on ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’, I envisioned a pivotal scene where Vidya Balan's character confronts her husband one last time. This moment, drawn from Suhrita's life, was striking and resonated deeply with her truth.”
He added, “Her ability to craft narratives from her personal struggles is rare, unlike many who create stories purely from imagination. We initiated a project together, but it ultimately didn’t progress to production.”
The duo also collaborated on the television show ‘Naamkaran’, during which she candidly expressed, “I come from a literary background and lack knowledge of cinematic techniques.”
“She often felt lost, realizing that filmmaking involves visual storytelling and sound, which diverges from her literary expertise,” he shared.
“She approached the process with an open mind. Despite her initial intimidation, I reassured her that we all learn as we go along. You learn swimming by swimming, and writing by writing,” he emphasized.
‘Tu Meri Poori Kahani’, directed by Suhrita Das, is scheduled for release on September 26, 2025.