After diamond jubilee,..Journey of life is going on...!

(At 'Corinthians Club', Pune..after Poetry reading in 'Literati'!)

- Manoj Kulkarni (manas roomani)

ARTHOUSE CINEMA OF SHAHANI NO MORE!

Renowned filmmaker of our Indian New Wave Cinema..Kumar Shahani!

One of the prominent filmmakers of our Indian New Wave Cinema..Kumar Shahani passed away recently! I am remembering his classic arthouse cinema which I first watched in our 'Film Appreciatin Course' (1989) and then in film festivals!

Kumar Shahani's first feature film 'Maya Darpan' (1972).

When Godard died, I wrote 'the last living legend from pioneers of French New Wave Cinema' is no more! Now I can say the same after passing away of our this Indian new wave filmmaker Kumar Shahani! Before him, the great pioneers of our this genre of cinema..Mrinal Sen ('Bhuvan Shome' fame) and Mani Kaul ('Uski Roti' fame) left this world!

In late 60s, Kumar Shahani studied Screen writing and Direction under the guidance of great Ritwik Ghatak in 'Film Institure' (FTII) at Pune. After that he did his further studies in France where he assisted renowned filmmaker who known for his ascetic approach..Robert Bresson for his ‘Une Femme Douce’ (1969). Then he came back to India and made his first feature film 'Maya Darpan' (1972) which was produced by 'NFDC'. This 'mirror of illusion' was critically acclaimed and started artistic discussion!

Kumar Shahani's lyrical film 'Khayal Gatha' (1989).

Then Shahani made short films like 'Our Universe' (1976). And after the struggle of 12 years, he wrote-directed his next feature film 'Tarang' (1984) in which Girish Karnad, Amol Palekar & Smita Patil acted! This film was uncharacteristically conventional with song sequences! After that his 'Khayal - Gatha' (1989) was an experimental film which showed the relationship of Khayal singing with classical dance. Rajat Kapoor and Mita Vasisht acted in it! After that his film 'Kasba' (1991) was based on the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov's short story 'In the Ravine'! Shatrughan Sinha and Raghubir Yadav played roles in it! And his film 'Char Adhyay' (1997) was based on the Rabindranath Tagore's last novel. It's about the impact of political issues on personal lives!

Shahani was one of the few filmmakers who tried to create something unique in the narrative structure of cinema! In this, some time complex and some time lyrical form enriched the arthouse cinema! He also got respect as a teacher and theorist of cinema!

His films got three National Awards and international also like 'FIPRESCI Prize' at 'Rotterdam International Film Festival'!

Remembered nice meeting him!
Homage to this genius of cinema!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

There was a programme 'Suroor' of Ustad Anwar Qureshi's ghazal singing in 'Nehru Memorial Hall' at Pune in Feb., 2024! And an evening well spent in shayarana mahol!

And it was nice meeting Ustad Anwar Qureshi after the programme there!

- Manoj Kulkarni
(manas roomani)

It was nice to attend 'A Festival of Contemporary Indian Films' organized by 'Pune International Center' at 'NFAI', Pune in Feb.,2024!.

And it was good meeting Mr. Premendra Mazumdar of 'FIPRESCI' there!

- Manoj Kulkarni

It was nice meeting talented actress and filmmaker Nandita Das related programme on cinema in 'History Literature Festival', Pune in Feb.,2024!

 

I first interviewed Nandita Das after the screening of Deepa Mehta's film 'Fire' in our 'IFFI', 1997 at Trivandrum. And she still remember it! I always admired her acting and now direction too after she made a film 'Manto'!

- Manoj Kulkarni 

It was nice to attend 'History Literature Festival' at 'Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics', Pune in Feb.,2024!

And it was a pleasant surprise to meet my classmate of 'Film Appreciation Course' (NFAI/FTII, 1989) Mr. Partho Datta who was there as one of the speakers in 'Old Music, New Histories'!

- Manoj Kulkarni

Attended alumni meet of our 'Department of Communication and Journalism' at 'Ranade Institute' on Sunday, 4th Feb.,2024! It was its Diamond Jubilee celebration and an emotional moment! But I didn't see my (1987-88) batchmates there! Anyway, it was nice meeting my senior batchmates-friends Mr. Abhay Vaidya & Mr. Vijayan! Here is the picture!

- Manoj Kulkarni 

It was nice & emotional moment to attend Diamond Jubilee celebration of our 'Department of Communication & Journalism' of 'SPPU' on Sunday, 4th Feb.,2024 at 'Ranade Institute', Pune!

 Below are glimpses of it!

- Manoj Kulkarni

HOD of 'Department of Communication & Journalism'..Mr. Sanjay Tambat and me!

Asst. Prof. of 'Department of Communication & Journalism'..Sandip Nardele and me!

Our professor & veteran Journalist Mr. Kiran Thakur and me!

Artist Mr. Mukim Tamboli drawing cartoon of me!

Cartoon of me!

SALUTE TO PHALKE SAHEB!

Father of Indian Cinema..Dadasaheb Phalake!

Today is 80th Death Anniversary of..father of our Indian Cinema.. Dhundiraj Govind Phalake..known as Dadasaheb Phalake!

Phalake made first feature film 'Raja Harishchandra' (1913).

He made India's first full-length feature film 'Raja Harishchandra' in 1913! After that during his film career he made 27 short films & 95 movies.

The 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award' for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema was instituted in his honour by the Government of - India in 1969!

Humble Homage to Dadasaheb!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

Thinking about life..
What life I spent..
It's not what I dreamt,
It's not what I deserved!

- Manoj 'manas roomani'

Recently I presented my shayari/poetry in the programme organized by 'Deewankhana' at 'Kitabi Chai Cafe' Pune!

(Thanks to Mr. Harshil and 

Mr. Ankush of 'Deewankhana')

-Manoj Kulkarni 

(manas roomani).

MEETING OLD JOURNALIST FRIEND!

Recently I met dear friend Abhay Vaidya (Director-Pune International Center) at Camp. We purchased books from Pune's old 'Express Book Service'.

Then we had nice talk in hotel.!..Memories of 'Ranade Institute' while doing our 'Communication & Journalism' (B.C.J.). And discussed topics from Cinema, Poetry to Social issues & Politics!

- Manoj Kulkarni