Bollywood director Shekhar Kapur, recognized for his work on films such as Bandit Queen and Mr. India, recently discussed the challenges he encountered when he chose to transition to Hollywood in search of artistic development. He emphasized that Indian directors must be willing to take significant risks to embrace creative challenges.

Shekhar Kapur recalls leaving India at peak of his career for Hollywood

 On Tuesday, a fan reached out to the filmmaker on X, stating, "Dear sir, I kindly request that you impart some directing skills to your Indian colleagues as well. They continue to rely on star power and item numbers, yet they still struggle to produce a successful film. Best regards, your fan."

In his response, Shekhar reflected on his early struggles after moving to Hollywood, recalling how he faced financial difficulties and often slept on friends' sofas. He shared, "Many years ago, following the success of Bandit Queen at the Cannes Film Festival, I was confronted with a pivotal choice. I could have remained in India, but after my work on Masoom, Mr. India, and Bandit Queen, I felt the need to pursue a greater challenge. I decided to leave everything behind and start anew in Hollywood. I faced financial hardship, relied on friends for shelter, and fought tirelessly to rebuild my career."

Shekhar says directors in India have to risk everything for creative challenge

 He reflected on the lesson he gained from this experience and remarked, "After three years of that journey, I created 'Elizabeth.' It received eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, at a time when only five films were considered, not ten. The takeaway? At every stage of your life, be prepared to take significant risks if you aspire to explore new opportunities. This is the mindset that directors in India must adopt—risk everything for the sake of creative exploration."

About Shekhar Kapur

Shekhar He made his directorial debut in 1983 with the family drama Masoom, featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, and young talents Jugal Hansraj and Urmila Matondkar. The film achieved commercial success, establishing Shekhar's reputation in Bollywood. He subsequently directed Mr. India, which starred Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Amrish Puri. This film garnered widespread acclaim and became a significant landmark in Hindi cinema.

Following this, he directed Bandit Queen, which generated considerable controversy upon its release. Although the film was well-received at the Cannes Film Festival, it encountered resistance in India due to its unflinching depiction of Phoolan Devi, one of the country's most notorious dacoits, and her life story. Afterward, the director transitioned to Hollywood, where he helmed Elizabeth, a fictional portrayal of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England, which received seven Academy Award nominations. His most recent directorial project was in 2022, a British romantic comedy titled What's Love Got to Do with It?

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