When Mahesh Bhatt watched Shahid he told Hansal Mehta that he has made his obituary film, a film that will make him worthy of an obituary. Interestingly, when the National Awards were announced Mehta was busy giving the final touches to the Bhatt production Citylights . “My phone was switched off and I had no clue that the awards are going to be announced this week. So when producer Sunil Bohra called me on another number I was shocked and then the tears flowed.” For Mehta, the National Award has come as a vindication of many things. After a potent start to his film career with Jayate and Dil Par Mat Le Yaar , Mehta lost his unique voice and was written off by the media when he delivered an absolute dud like Woodstock Villa .
His colleagues like Anurag Kashyap had reached a different level and Mehta with his weakness for alcohol was going nowhere. “It took me some time to regain my sanity after Woodstock Villa but when I read the story of Shahid Azmi in a newspaper I realised I have found the tool to convey what I was going through. I was agitated about the developments in the society and in Shahid I found a catalyst to weave a narrative. It is not just redemption of sorts but also a vindication of the fact that commitment pays in the long run. I called Shahid’s brother Khalid and he was happy. “
Mehta says his was a Lagaan kind of team which had very little going for it till the release of the film. “It is not a 100 crore revenue generator but Shahid will remain alive in the conscience of the audience. This is not a kind of film whose effect diminishes by the opening weekend. In fact there is a demand to re-release the film as people will appreciate it in these times when the divisive forces are in full form. Shahid takes a stand against the disruptive forces on both sides and perhaps that’s why he was silenced,” says Mehta adding that this year cinematic value has been recognised by the jury.
