Excerpts from a tete-a-tete with Yash Chopra His views on Pu La Deshpande: If you visit Deshpande's home, as I did on Sunday afternoon (October 24), I observed only two photographs on his walls -- that of Charlie Chaplin and Rabindranath Tagore. It was obvious that Deshpande drew inspiration from them and a mixture of the two personalities is reflected in his works. I feel Maharashtrians are lucky that they have Pu La's rich literature at their disposal, hence I feel that his works should be translated.The films he shot in Pune: I feel bad that I have not kept in touch with Pune, where I shot three of my films - Chandni Chowk (1953), Naya Daur (1957 and Kala Patthar (1979). On this occasion I am getting that feeling that time has indeed flown. But as for Pune, I will keep in touch more often.
On what it takes to be a good director: Only two things - hard work and God's grace.
His predominantly woman-oriented films: I focus on emotional subjects and themes which touch one's heart. And as you know, women are more emotional so the films revolve around them.
The best women characters he has created: The mother and daughter in my film Lamhe, they were the best, both roles were essayed by Sridevi. I think the film wasn't received very well because it was before it's time, the audience wasn't ready for the controversial subject.
Why the film-makers blame the audience and vice-versa for the substandard films churned out today: The relationship between the film-makers and the audience is a tricky one. You give the audience what you feel is right to be given to them. Yes, audience tastes have to be taken into account and they are are ever-changing, but you can't degenerate yourself as a film-maker either.
His future: Yes, I have come long way, but I am sure of one thing - I want to continue making films. I will die with my boots on. As told to Shaan Chavan
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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