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