MEGHNA GULZAR
Exclusive Interview!

Although Bollywood director Meghna Gulzar's debut film flopped at the box office, the determined youngster hasn't allowed the failure to have a negative affect. In fact she's starting work on two new movies this year for production company Pritish Nandy Communications and producer Jhamu Sughand. However before starting work on those, Meghna has directed a new music video, which is set to hit the small screen. This time around she is working with famous singer Javed Akhtar on his album Shairana. Radio Sargam discussed the project with Meghna.

What was your reaction when you heard that you had to direct videos for Javed saab 's album, 'Shairana'?
"It was daunting and tremendously awe-inspiring at the same time. I feel privileged. I took it as a challenge to at least try and do justice to Javed saab 's writing and the songs that have been created for this album. I've tried to give it all the aesthetics it deserves and I've tried to make it stand out from the rest of the music videos that are coming on screen today".

Doesn't it become difficult telling a story within a three-minute time frame as opposed to the three-hour time frame filmmakers are used to working within?
"Telling a story is difficult irrespective of the time frame; sometimes we find that even three hours is not enough and sometimes we feel that five minutes is more than enough. It all depends on what one is trying to tell. Generally the stories are very simplistic, with not too many ups and downs. In films, because you have to hold on for three hours, there are ups and downs. But the amount of effort and hard work that goes into either is the same."

So would you say that making a film is as challenging as making a video album?
"Most definitely. Any form of creative expression is a challenge and when it stops being a challenge, it stops being creative."

Is having knowledge of music a prerequisite for directing a music video?
"I wouldn't say that you have to be a master at music, but you at least have to have a feel for music. If you are completely tone deaf, it's going to come in the way. You have to at least be able to feel the song to do any kind of work on it, even if it means designing the cover of the album."

Coming to the title of the album - 'Shairana' - how much of a shayar are you?
"Well, I do write poetry of the very personal kind, but I wouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath with all these esteemed people here."

Are the songs that you've video directed - 'Chandan si dhuli…' and 'Hazaron Chehron Mein…' - your favourite songs from the album?
"Because you've heard the songs so many times and you have literally lived with them and because you have created something for them, they are most definitely my favourite."