As Devashish Makhija returns to the director’s chair with his latest Netflix original, Gandhari, he’s reflecting on the winding path that has led him to this moment. With a career spanning 20 years, Makhija has made four films, including his maiden Netflix original, starring Taapsee Pannu. His journey, marked by both creative and financial struggles, has been a rollercoaster ride.
Makhija’s foray into the film industry began as an Assistant Director on Black Friday (2004) and Bunty Aur Babli (2005). However, his first major setback came when his animation film for Yash Raj Films and Disney was shelved after three years of production. This significant blow, he recalls, triggered a period of introspection and a desire to explore the politics of the rebel and what was happening in India. Makhija spent three months traveling to Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and North Andhra, where he witnessed the Naxalite situation firsthand. This experience rekindled his passion for storytelling and led him to focus on the Black Friday space.
Fast-forward to his latest film, Gandhari, which almost got shelved four times. Makhija remembers the anxiety he felt each time, knowing that the film’s fate hung in the balance. Despite the uncertainty, he’s eager to share his next project with the world. “Gandhari will open more doors for me, but I’m not holding my breath. I’ve learned from my past experiences that what’s gone unnoticed can’t be replicated. I’ve started listening to scripts, and I’m excited to be on set instead of being locked in a room.”
The film industry’s preconceived notions about awards also came up in our conversation. “Winning the Filmfare award for Joram didn’t open any doors for me. It’s an interesting question. I thought I’d made a list of 20 awards I wanted to win, including the Booker, Pulitzer, and Palme d’Or. The Filmfare was nowhere on that list. But, it’s a welcome surprise to be acknowledged by the industry.”
When asked about his financial position, Makhija expresses the ongoing struggle to pay off debts. “I’m still paying off those debts. It’s a long road. I don’t know when that journey will end. All the money I’m earning now is getting funneled towards clearing my debt.” His goal is to become debt-free within the next year and a half.
Regarding his production company, Makhija has reconsidered his approach. “I don’t think I’ll produce films independently again. I’ve spoken to independent producers in the Malayalam film industry, and they operate like a family. In Mumbai, everyone’s out to get each other down. You need thick skin to handle the pressure. I get anxious when I owe people money, and I’ve struggled to make ends meet in my early years in Mumbai.”
This candid account of his journey serves as a testament to Makhija’s vulnerabilities and determination to follow his creative vision. As he looks to the future, he’s open to collaborating with actors like Rajkummar Rao and others, but he’s cautious about the prospect. “People I want to work with haven’t reached out to me directly. Even if they do, they’re busy, and the conversation might not go anywhere.”
As Devashish Makhija continues to navigate the film industry, his story serves as a reminder that even the most experienced professionals face challenges and setbacks. His passion for storytelling, however, remains unwavering, as he looks to leave a lasting legacy in Hindi cinema.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/devashish-makhija-i-dont-have-the-chops-to-not-answer-calls-when-i-owe-someone-money-9904586/
Category : Bollywood,Entertainment
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Publish Date: 2025-03-26 06:31:00
