MUMBAI: Film students would do well to keep their eyes open for the latest technology and at the same time remain connected with human emotions. These words of advice were dished out by reknowned filmmaker Krishna Shah.
25 years ago, Shah made Shalimar, considered to be the first crossover film. Shah recently visited the Digital Academy in Andheri in suburban Mumbai and delivered a guest lecture for students training in direction and scriptwriting. He pointed out that Hollywood and Bollywood were the only real film industries. Both make masala films which cater to both the heart and mind. He compared a Bollywood film to a 'thali' with its mix of different ingredients.
He also urged students to be proud of being Indian since 'we are the best at storytelling on account of our rich culture and mythological heritage'. He also stressed the need for upcoming directors to balance the artistic inclinations with budgeting and pitching. "The producers must get their money back because a film begets another film."
Shah initially made a name for himself in Hollywood with films like The River Niger, Hard Rock Zombies. However, as Bollywood increasingly grew in popularity globally, Krishna decided to return to India. Shah has three projects in the pipeline Beiju and Tansen, Aasman Ke Heere and an animation film Krishna - The Magic Child.