Anurag Basu was present at an event organized by the ‘Mount Litera School’ for kids fighting Cancer from the ‘Tata Memorial Centre’. During his media interaction filmmaker Basu expressed his view on Padmavati, stating that whole controversy is based on perception and assumption.
“I think this is bizarre and funny. When first time the attack happened, the first things that came to my mind was ‘Do they know the script? Have they read it? The entire controversy is based on the perception and assumption and what could be more funny that this? The whole thing is based on ‘Maybe’ and I find it really bizarre, how can they create such a ruckus on a ‘maybe’”
“I think it is a win-win for everybody, all of them getting the benefit of the controversy. I don’t think Sanjay Leela Bhansali should be worried because his film is delayed, as he has many fans, like myself, who will watch the film no matter when it releases” said Basu.
Anurag Basu was paid his respect to deceased filmmaker Neeraj Vora, who passed away yesterday due to health complications.
“It was really upsetting to hear the news. We have been good friends but I haven’t had the chance to work with him. I have worked with his brother very closely. I have met many people in the industry but I haven’t seen anyone as sharp as him. He has the most amazing comic timing”
“Once I was sitting next to Neeraj and he was reading a screenplay for a producer. I wouldn’t name him (producer) but he was very impressed. Only I and Neeraj knew that the paper he was reading from was actually a blank page. Neeraj was bright enough to create an impressive screenplay on the spot” added Basu.
When asked about his future projects the Barfi! Director said, “We are currently working on a few projects simultaneously but I will announce the schedule very soon as to when which project will come out.”
Talking about films when asked what he thinks about the trend of making biopics, he said, “It’s a good thing that people are getting inspired by biographies. Nowadays people don’t read so all they grasp about life is from films.”
Talking about the event and spreading awareness about the Cancer, filmmaker Anurag Basu said stop hiding the disease and embrace it.
“People feel ashamed and don’t want to talk about it. This word Cancer is such a huge taboo in our society. I tell everyone that this is the reality, you have it, this is the ultimate reality, embrace it well and with heart. Don’t run from it and don’t try to hide it from people, speak up and address that you are suffering from cancer. There is nothing to be ashamed about. People often call me, asking me about doctor’s reference and before putting the phone down, they always end up saying, don’t tell anyone. This whole mentality of hiding it, if we can overcome it, I think the first step of battle is won, don’t think of it as taboo and fight it like any other disease” added Anurag.
Anurag Basu’s last film as director and writer was ‘Jagga Jasoos’ in 2017, starring Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor.