The untold story of Shoojit Sircar's Kishore Kumar biopic
What's the story
Acclaimed filmmaker Shoojit Sircar recently opened up about his long-cherished dream of making a biopic on the legendary singer-actor Kishore Kumar. In an interview with Variety India, he revealed that his fascination with Kumar began with his acting performances in movies like Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and Padosan. Sircar wanted to capture not just Kumar's musical genius but also the lesser-known aspects of his life in the proposed biopic. He also had a draft prepared, but he dropped the project.
Director's perspective
Sircar's fascination with Kumar's multifaceted talent
Sircar was drawn to Kumar's multifaceted talent as a singer, musician, actor, writer, and director.
He expressed interest in exploring the many stories that surround Kumar, his relationships with actors and directors, his ban from singing for six months, and his eventual return.
"So many stories around him, stories about the actors, the wars, how he would deal with some directors and producers and his tricks exist."
Previous reports have suggested Sircar spent four years researching Kumar.
Unveiling Kumar's essence
Kumar's roots and instinctive artistry
Sircar wanted to highlight Kumar's desire to return to his hometown, Khandwa.
He said, "From all my research, he always said he just wanted to earn some money and go back to Khandwa."
"I think that aspect and also how someone's a natural, instinctive artist. Not trained too much, but pure instinct. That's the madness I wanted to capture."
Despite his interest, Sircar decided against making the biopic as Anurag Basu took it up with Ranbir Kapoor in the lead.
Change of plans
'Anurag understands music well'
Sircar revealed that he decided to step back from the biopic when he learned that Basu was making it with Kapoor.
"It was always Ranbir in my head," he said, adding that there was no point in making a film when someone else is already doing it.
"Anurag understands music well. He's very talented, so I thought it was in the right hands."
Basu has also been positive about completing the biopic, although details have been scarce.
Personal choice
Favorite Kishore Kumar song
When asked about his favorite Kishore Kumar song, Sircar picked Ek Chatur Naar from Padosan. The song, sung by Kumar and Manna Dey, is a classic Bollywood track.
Sircar is one of the most coveted filmmakers in Bollywood right now. He is known for movies such as Piku, October, Sardar Udham, Vicky Donor, and Madras Cafe.