Shekhar Kapur: We don't need a certificate

- 'I am the same person who made 'Bandit Queen', 'Masoom' and 'Mr India'. How did I suddenly become a wonderful director - as West came and said?'

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who made masterpieces such as 'Bay Ndit Queen' (1994) and 'Elizabeth' (1998), is under-appreciated for paving the way for Indian cinema and filmmakers to be on the international stage. He is the 'Mr. India' and 'Masoom' also made. Shekhar Kapur is a prolific filmmaker, he also gained international recognition and appreciation with the film 'Bandit Queen'. The film premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section of the 1994 Cannes Film Festival and was screened at the Edinburgh Film Festival. The carriage did not stop there. Shekhar Kapur gained more international fame in 1999 with the film 'Elizabeth'. The film is a fictional account of the British Queen's reign. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards. This was followed by the war-drama 'The Four Feathers' (2002) and 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age' (2007), a sequel to 'Elizabeth'. Now, how important is the reaction of such a renowned filmmaker when Indian films win two trophies at the recently held Oscars? 'This is what I've been waiting for! After 'Elizabeth', other filmmakers were waiting to accept the award. I thank God for this. It's been years...' says Shekhar Kapur.

Shekhar Kapur's 'Elizabeth' also bagged an Oscar costume award. Shekhar Kapur further adds, 'Shaunak Sen's 'All Those Breaths' should also be celebrated. Getting a nomination is just as good as a win. It is a beautiful film.'

With this Shekhar Kapur adds that 'Hence, two heart-wrenching documentaries (including 'The Elephant Whisperers') and a feature film like 'RRR' (2022) have taken the West by storm. It was an internationally Indian melodramatic celebration of what we do best. He has opened his arms to Indian cinema,' says Shekhar Kapur. They also address much-discussed aspects of academia. He is a popular filmmaker.

'It can't just be art cinema, otherwise it falls by the wayside,' says the filmmaker, whose film 'What's Love Got To Do With It?' Soon to be released in India, it stars Shabana Azmi and Emma Thompson. 'So do we wait for global recognition before recognizing our own talent? Asked this question, he also said that 'It's great to get an Oscar. Suddenly the world knows about you and you get more opportunities to work, which are international, but I have constantly said that we don't need recognition and filmmaker S. S. No one has proved it better than Rajamouli. He has proved it with such an Indian way of making films that the whole West says watch this..'

Recalling the fact, Kapoor says, 'When 'Elizabeth' was nominated in seven categories in 1999, everyone said, 'Yes, look at this director.' I said, 'Wait a minute, I am the same guy who made 'Bandit Queen', 'Masoom' and 'Mr India'. How did I suddenly become a wonderful director - because West came and said this is wonderful?' Shekhar Kapur says 'An artist can try to be what they are not.'

Shekhar Kapur also paid tribute to Satish Kaushik, calling him a great mathematician. His death is a loss, whose potential was yet to be explored. They had a lot. Shekhar Kapoor has also received three Filmfare Awards. Alas, years ago he also worked in the serial 'Khandan' and made his directorial debut in 1983 with the cult film 'Masoom'. As Shekhar Kapur is a talented filmmaker, his comments prove to be important.