PURVI RADIA
Mayur Puri, a big fan of Goa, was down in the state for ‘Tell me Oh Khuda’, a Hema Malini production. The film has been directed by Mayur Puri and also has dialogues and lyrics by him. The Navhind Times gets you an insight into Mayur, his entry into the film industry and his vision.
One of the emerging breed of Bollywood youngsters, Mayur, the master mind behind the famous dialogue ‘picture abhi baki hain mere dost’ (Om Shanti Om) and the popular lyrics from the movie ‘Singh is Kinng’, was down to Goa for reasons more than one.
One of them was to start a school in Goa that will train youngsters in script writing, for which he feels time is needed for the idea to crystallise. According to him, such a school is the need of the hour. “There are no good writers and no institute that will teach creative writing, which is why I am forced to start one,” says the passionate creative writer.
Mayur’s love for Goa is endless. It is the vibes, lifestyle and favourable environment that draw him to this place to help him complete his scripts. It is nice to hear someone from the film industry identify Goa for a purpose other than its beauty. Mayur intends to make a film on the history and essentiality of Goa, to re-orient the narrow thought that many have of the beautiful and culturally rich state. Having been to Goa several times Mayur does not consider tourism as the only source of income. According to him there are bountiful natural resources and traditional occupations like agriculture.
With his experience of working as assistant director for film like ‘Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai’ and ‘Dhoom’ he graduated to directing his first film, a Hema Malini production, ‘Tell me Oh Khuda’, that revolves around the search for self-discovery.
Mayur does not believe in starting his directorial venture with stereotypical love stories. Instead he prefers challenges and unconventional concepts.
When asked to draw a parallel between direction and writing, he quickly answered that dialogue writing was like flirting while directing was marriage. Explaining further, he said, “Dialogues do not take much effort and is very easy compared to the commitment required in directing a movie.”
Writing has no science. One becomes the character when one takes up writing. The syntax of the language should be well understood by the audience. This is more important as the impact of these dialogues on the audience he felt. Being aware of his responsibility as a filmmaker Mayur had this to say: “Morality has not only come from religious books; it has also come from films.”
Inspite of all the responsibilities and the pains taken, writers are not valued in the film industry. They are treated like rabbits. Everyone scares them. Writers are talented; they should show their importance standing firm on their decision. “I go with my own choice. Writers have to be like elephants. And that’s what I am,” he stated with vehemence, making his point clear.
“I remember in 1999, when I came to Mumbai in search of a job with just Rs 700. My friend Pritam and I sometimes made tunes in synergy with the lyrics for fun. Pritam encouraged me for my talent. For the first time my song ‘Halka Halka sa Nasha’ was chosen by Sonu Nigam for the movie ‘Chocolate’,” reminisced Mayur, who completed this song in just 15 minutes.
Lyric writing was just a hobby for Mayur. He could complete 15 lyrics in a day. It was fun for him although many of his songs went on to become chartbusters and smash hits.
A topper in drama at the university, Mayur had worked in ad agencies, sold vegetables and even tried his hand at journalism. It is his determination that makes him work tirelessly.
