Panaah the 1992 box office hit is still remembered in many ways, be it the heart touching acting of master Mohsin, brilliant performance of Naseeruddin Shah, or the prayer song of Panaah “Teri Panaah Mein” which is still played in many schools as prayer song during morning assembly.

The movie was released worldwide and earned good name, especially the Direction was appreciated largely by professionals and media. So, if you know whom I am talking about then you can skip a line but if you are still confused then let me take off the curtain from someone who represented not only Udaipur but the whole Mewar in Bollywood successfully. His name is Krishna Kant Pandya Film & Television, Director.

Mr. Pandya was an Associate Director with Kriti Kumar of the super hit movie Hatya. He also worked as an assistant to Mr. Esmail Shroff’s for more than 9 movies including Thodi si Bewafaii, Bulandi, Ahista Ahista, Dil Akhir Dil Hai, Jhootha Sach, Love- 86, Suryaa, and Police-Public.

Mr. Pandya has also directed recent television shows namely Prithvi Raj Chauhan on Star Plus, Jai Shri Krishna on Colors and Chittor Ki Rani Padmini ka Johar on Sony. He has directed few music albums as well.

A month back, Mr. Pandya was in Udaipur on a personal visit. I was fortunate enough to have words with this personality; here is the excerpt of the interview with Mr. Krishna Kant Pandya.

How did you reach the dreamland – ‘Mumbai’?

I was born in a middle class family of priests. My childhood was spent playing in the narrow lanes of Udaipur. Sometime during my late teens my father decided to shift to Mumbai and we all went there.  That was my destiny.

What was your reaction when you saw Mumbai’s fast life in comparison to Udaipur?

Mumbai is a big rollercoaster with shocking surprises in every turn and I was just like a small innocent child who unknowingly sits into that big rollercoaster. Those twists and turns made me stronger, gradually converting me into what I am today.

You have no film background, what fascinated you towards this industry?

When I came to Mumbai, I thought if I am destined to live in this land of opportunities then it has to be for something unique and not for a mere 9 to 6 job. That was when my uncle, Pt. Vishweshwarji, poet and struggling lyricist suggested Film Editing as a career. It clicked with my passion and I joined in without realizing that this would take me towards Direction.

How did you get your break in Bollywood ?

Mr. Esmayeel Shroff selected me as his assistant director during my 1 year at editing as an assistant to Late Mr. RamRao Ghatge and Late Mr. S. T. Koorani.

Why according to you, after a super hit movie Panaah, your other movies didn’t create the same magic?

Movie that came after Panaah was Bedardi, which did well too. However, simultaneous release of Bedardi and Bazigar, and difference in the promotion levels of the two movies and higher expectations in the subject matter of my movies after Panaah are some factors responsible. Bedardi however broke records at box office when re-released after two years.

You are working for small screen too, which one do you find more compelling Television or Movies?

That is a tricky question. As Director I enjoy both to same levels and as audience, you may answer better!

What is your perception about Direction?

A director is someone who presents a written story in a very interesting manner and efficiently conveys a complete thought process which is believable to the audience. It is definitely a challenging task to convert a text story into a live motion.

But don’t you think sometimes it is the artists that get more credit than the Director?

It is only obvious because they are the face of the movie. And a very good looking one at that! A Director too is an artist in his own way. It is because of his creativity and talent that a complete picture comes out good or bad. There were times when the audience would not know anything about the Director but thanks to media and increasing awareness about movie making as a process, large sections of the audience now know who sails the ship.

What are the five qualities as per you that make a successful Director?

1. Imaginative
2. Sensitivity toward human emotions and an understanding of audience pysche
3. Thorough knowledge of all the departments that go into making a movie right from writing, music, costumes, sounds, settings, with editing, audio-visual mixing and photography being the most important.
4. Has to be an efficient Team Leader, who knows when to command and when to leave space to subjective creativity.
5. Thorough knowledge of various equipments used during shooting, to be in a better position to judge which one can enhance the effect of the scene when.

Okay then who are your favorite Directors?

(With a smile) In Drama Soharab Modi, B.R.Chopra are the trendsetters. In Romance I admire work of Raj Kapoor, Yash Chopra and Karan Johar. Satyajeet Roy and Bimal Roy were masters of realistic cinema.

Any favorites in Hollywood ?

Yes, I love the cinema directed by Francis Ford Copppola, David Lean, Akira Kurosawa, William wyler, Elia Kazan , Alfred Hitchcock ,Frank Capra and Steven spielberg. I have always admired their work.

What you like to do in your free hours?

Well, I am a passionate writer and a promising reader. I have written poems, short stories and articles as well. I love spending time with my family.

Why is there a gap in subject based movies between Hollywood and Bollywood?

The biggest difference in Hollywood and Bollywood is its audience. Hollywood is older than Bollywood so it is obvious that there audience has grown mature with time. Indian audience loved loudness earler.  Subject based movies were appreciated by a certain sections only. But changes are coming, today art movies and theatre art is also gaining good public attention. So it is a good sign for Bollywood film industry.

What are the challenges you face as a Director?

Being a Director we are forced to work with deadlines and also keep finances under control that’s the nature of my job.

What is the change you experience in Present and Past Bollywood?

I think a major change is the major Stars of Bollywood turning into Producers. Also a close look reveals that few Actors tend to work only with few Directors. The only disadvantage is that this makes them choosy. Earlier Actors were more open in selecting both the production house and the Director.

Any Message for youths?

For those wiling to make a career in this Industry in whichever way, need to know that it involves a lot of hard work, patience and commitment. Only those who are genuinely passionate should enter the industry. If you merely want to try your luck, without either talent or perseverance, you definitely are causing harm to both yourself and the industry.

You belong to Udaipur; do you have any plans for this city?

I love Udaipur not simply because I am born and brought up here but because I feel this strong connect with each and everything of Udaipur. I try doing my bit fotr the city by helping people from Udaipur find their way in the industry.  As a Director, I think Udaipur is as picturesque as nature could get on earth.  Udaipur has its natural beauty and its people have talent. I wish someday I can combine both together on silver screen.

I thank Udaipurtimes.com for being the medium to reach to my people. I think it is a very good initiative and I wish Udaipurtimes.com all the luck. Thank You.