Watch Randeep Hooda, Hansal Mehta discuss Bollywood’s ongoing crisis at Expresso: ‘There’s a lot of film execution happening now, not filmmaking’ | Bollywood News
You asked, and we delivered! Yes, in response to the popular demand for the return of The Indian Express’ Expresso, we recently hosted the sixth edition of the series, which, like its predecessors, earned overwhelming reactions. After featuring several Bollywood biggies, this time we brought together renowned actor Randeep Hooda and acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta, piquing the interest of audiences eager to see this unusual combo take centre stage.
In an evening marked heartfelt conversations, which offered some respite from the Delhi heat, the two celebrities opened up about their movie careers, personal lives and more, taking the audience on an exclusive ride through the paths they have traversed so far. They also discussed their works and cinema in general.
Admitting that there is a crisis currently ongoing in Bollywood, Randeep Hooda stated that there are many reasons behind it. Pointing out that films have become formulaic, he added, “There’s a lot of film execution happening now, not filmmaking. We have isolated ourselves in the ivory tower a little. There’s little room for experimentation.” Mentioning that the OTT sphere is where experimentation happens now, Hooda maintained that even streaming platforms have, however, started prioritising certain kinds of films. The actor also expressed his desire to create something both highly experimental and grand at the same time, which would connect with a large audience as well. Mentioning that South filmmakers continue to craft rooted movies with relatable protagons, such as Pushpa (Allu Arjun), he lamented that Bollywood, on the other hand, has become more “intellectualised” with its movies, created elit filmmakers, featuring heroes with six-packs and zero characterisation.
Story continues below this ad
During the session, Hansal Mehta also recalled the humiliation he faced a quarter century ago when he was publicly shamed and his office vandalised the activs of (then undivided) Shiv Sena. “Now, these things have names such as PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), and there’s a lot more information regarding them. But back then, the only medicine I knew was alcohol. I was very broken at that time. Not only had my movie failed, but four weeks later, when we were dealing with financial losses, people entered my office and vandalised it. They painted my face black. Then they told me to come tomorrow and seek an apology because they wanted to create a bigger public spectacle,” Mehta said.
“I was made to apologise in front of 10,000 people. But the apology was not the issue for me. I later on realised that people who violate your self-respect and freedom do not belong to any particular ideology or party. They are, unfortunately, engulfed in a greed for power; and they are nameless, faceless cowards. It took me time to realise that I was not the coward; I was attacked cowards. The moment I realised that I found my voice,” he added.
Also Read | Randeep Hooda says ‘no space for experimentation, only bhedh chaal culture’ in Bollywood: ‘Ek Stree chalgayi toh sab horror comedy hi banaayenge ab’
Got FOMO over missing the amazing session live? Worry not. For all those who couldn’t make it to the event to watch the two celebrities in conversation, The Indian Express has decided to stream the conversation live on our official YouTube channel at 12 pm on March 30. The sixth edition of Expresso was presented HSBC in association with Taj Mahal, New Delhi as the venue partner, Dabur Real Fruit Power as the experience partner, Kashmir Loom as the gifting partner and UDC Homes as the design partner.Story continues below this ad
Expresso with Randeep Hooda and Hansal Mehta
Previous editions of Expresso have featured celebrities like Pankaj Tripathi, Kajol and Kriti Sanon, Javed Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, Imtiaz Ali and Taapsee Pannu, and Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi.
