Letting the society laugh and learn

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani says he prefers to address social issues through films

NEW DELHI: With movies such as Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots and PK under his belt, it is hardly surprising that filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has come to be known as a crusader for social issues. The writer, editor, director and producer has taken a satirical look at India’s medical system, educational institutions and religious superstitions in his movies and presented them in the language of the masses, i.e. films.

But when it comes to his own words, Hirani is very cautious. In fact, the 53-year-old says his voice “takes a backseat” regarding social issues as he prefers to make strong statements through his work. Hirani shared he finds the latter easier, for fear he may be misquoted. “I have to be careful in what I speak because I don’t know how I will be quoted,” he said in an interview. “So, unknowingly, my voice takes a backseat because if we speak, people will start to thrash us on social media,” explained Hirani during the promotions of his latest offering, Saala Khadoos.





To support his argument, Hirani cited the example of Aamir Khan, and how being “misquoted” lead the actor into trouble, following his comments on intolerance in India. “I feel that Aamir was completely misquoted,” shared Hirani. “There was no reason to pick up one sentence from an hour-long speech and quote that. Aamir clearly said that he felt distressed when his wife suggested something like leaving India. But he was quoted in a very different way.”

The multi-award-winner went on to explain the intransigence such events cause. “When such a statement goes out, the entire nation perceives it in the same manner. Nobody has the time to investigate, go back to the interview and hear what Aamir said,” Hirani said. “People pick up what media writes, so somehow, I feel it’s hugely responsible. I don’t think it was fair on Aamir as he has done good for the nation.” Hirani and Aamir have worked on blockbusters 3 Idiots and PK together.



According to Hirani, his films cannot change the nation but they can change a few individuals for sure. “If one watches great cinema or reads a great book, they are affected by it and that’s how change happens. I c0me across a lot of students who say how great PK was and how it changed peoples’ views. It made them question why they were fighting over religion.”

At the other end of the spectrum is a sect that claimed PK was disrespectful to Hinduism, a sentiment Hirani attributes to the media as well. “There is so much venom being thrown on social media. People start sharing irresponsible messages. It’s very strange to see such things,” he said. While he understands there is “no one person or politician who is doing this,” Hirani is afraid it might lead to “communal disharmony” in the near future. “Most issues aren’t related to communal things but end up being so,” he added.  

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st,  2016.

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