Filmmaker Deepa Mehta’s 1947 Earth completed 26 years recently on September 10. Starring Aamir Khan, Nandita Das and Rahul Khanna, the movie is remembered for its bold storytelling around the partition of India. Mehta looked back at the film in an interview with us.
26 years of 1947 Earth: Deepa Mehta on the film’s relevance today, “Secular violence is heartbreakingly alive”
Deepa, I feel 1947 Earth is your best work so far?
I agree. Yes, Earth 1947 to this day remains the film I am most proud of. Based on Bapsi Sidhwa’s novel ‘Ice Candy Man’, its dealing with communal friction remains sadly, to this date not only relevant in India but also across the world.
Ironically it seems as relevant today than when it was released
Secular violence is heartbreakingly alive and prospering in the genocide of Palestine but also the plight of Muslims and Dalits in India.
Although Aamir Khan disagrees, this is his by far his best performance
I think Aamir Khan made an uber superb, chilling Dil Nawaz in Earth. His subtlety in the characterization of a fun embracing lover turned into a vengeful hate spewing man was extraordinary. An extremely subtle transformation. If Aamir is not proud of his own prowess in Earth, he is being true to his preference. To each their own.
What went wrong between the two of you?
Nothing went ‘wrong’ with us. The superb producer Jhamu Sughand had a lot to do with getting Aamir on board the film. Similarly, it was Jhamu who introduced me to Shah Rukh Khan, who passed on (rather charmingly!) on the project.
If you had a chance to change anything in 1947 Earth what would it be?
I would not change anything in Earth – the cast led by Aamir, Nandita and Rahul is superb. Kitu Gidwani, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and the luminous Maya who played little Lenny is fabulous. As are Javed Akhtar’s lyrics and A.R Rahman’s stunning, absolutely stunning music!
Also Read: Onir’s queer love story set in Kashmir to be presented by veteran filmmaker Deepa Mehta
More Pages: 1947 (Earth) Box Office Collection
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