Gandhi Talks: Silent Film Explores Modern Issues

“Somewhere around 2000, I started writing the story. Earlier, it was titled ‘Money Matters’. After writing 15 scenes, I realised I had not written a single dialogue. But I knew what was happening in every scene. Then I thought, Indian cinema is completing 100 years, why not celebrate with a silent film?”

“After working 20–25 years on a film, you are far away from the heat and flow. You just need appreciation. Money is important, but you cannot pit a silent film against a dialogue film. It’s not a regular film.”

“Money is ultimate. Everybody needs money. I have seen how people’s masks fall off for money. It gives security, and it brings happiness. My relationship with money hasn’t changed, I still chase it. I work hard and I do good work because only then will people pay me well. Otherwise, they won’t.”

“When you are concentrating on your work, and suddenly you surprise yourself with a thought or an idea, that feeling is something else. You discuss it with your director or co-actor, and sometimes entire scenes come from those moments. That gives immense happiness.”