Did Umesh Shukla, Director of ‘OMG – Oh My God’, Really Serve as a Priest?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Umesh Shukla has a strong background in performing poojas.
- His experiences greatly influenced the script of 'OMG – Oh My God'.
- He highlights the importance of understanding faith versus blind faith.
- Collaboration with talented actors enriched his storytelling.
- 'Heer Express' is anticipated to showcase unique narratives.
Mumbai, July 23 (NationPress) Director Umesh Shukla, preparing for the premiere of his new film ‘Heer Express’, is a thoughtful individual who clearly understands the distinction between faith and blind faith.
In a recent conversation with IANS ahead of the film's release, he revealed that he once served as a priest, conducting pooja ceremonies in various households.
Shukla shared, “Coming from a Brahmin background, I used to go to people's homes, performing Satyanayan pooja, Lakshmi pooja, Nishadiya, and other rituals. I undertook these duties personally, dressed in a dhoti and kurta. Our customs were integral to my upbringing. I often questioned my father and grandfather about these practices, and through this, I identified several loopholes.”
“These experiences were invaluable while crafting the script for ‘OMG – Oh My God’. They provided a unique lens for humor and satire, which was executed brilliantly through my collaboration with Paresh bhai, Akshay ji, Om Puri, Mithun ji, and Govind Namdev. Each of these talented actors brought remarkable chemistry to the project,” he explained.
“Sharing my childhood experiences with them to bring these stories to life on screen was truly exhilarating. It was an absolute joy,” he added.
‘Heer Express’ is scheduled to hit theaters on August 8, 2025.