"I want to see Punjabi films get international recognition" -- Director Gurbir S. Grewal

Grewal, along with teaching film-making, has directed many TV serials and made nearly 50 short films. ‘Neem Ka Ped’ (1990-1996), ‘Basera’ (1990), ‘Eho Hamara Jeevna’ (Punjabi in 1989) and ‘Dastoor’ (1996), are a few of his TV serials.

Some of the short films directed by him are ‘Grow More Trees’, ‘A Tree For Every Child’, ‘Dostan Di Gall’ (Punjabi), ‘The Journey Begins’ (for European Commission).

Grewal is a member of Film Writers Association Mumbai and has won many awards like National Award (Rajat Kamal) in 1986 for a short film and Punjabi Academy Award 1998 (Delhi Government) for immense contribution to Punjabi language through TV and films.

His second Bollywood flick 'Coffee House' was also selected for screening in Indian Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival 2009.

As for his education, apart from graduation in B.Sc, he has done a three year diploma in cinema from Film & TV Institute of India, Pune.

In a discussion with Anupreet Kaur, Director Grewal shared his experiences and observations in the film industry and his career so far. Here are the excerpts:

LIVE PUNJAB: Being a TV serial-oriented director, what inspired you to direct ‘Mannat’ (2006)?
GURBIR S. GREWAL No doubt I started my career with serials, I enjoyed that but feature films always ruled my heart. Circumstances and absence of any networking in the industry did not allow me to make films earlier and same is the situation now.

I have many ready scripts and ideas with me, but how to find producers--- I don't know!

LIVE PUNJAB: ‘Mannat’ received a good response not only in India but also abroad. Give us your thoughts on that.
GURBIR S. GREWAL It was encouraging, especially the response and comments which we received from the critics and the audience. Even after 4 years, the kind of response I get gives me a high.

LIVE PUNJAB: Your second movie ‘Coffee House’ was a Bollywood flick. Unfortunately, it did not perform well at the box-office. What do you think might be the reason behind its failure?
GURBIR S. GREWAL There were few reasons behind it and I will not try to justify anything. Multiplex strike, producer unable to afford the kind of publicity and number of prints required were few reasons. Besides, the corporate culture has in fact killed the individual producers, who want to make different yet purposeful cinema.

Failure of a small film becomes subject of discussion but when big ones fail then same corporate underplay it and do not mind throwing more money on same stars.

LIVE PUNJAB: After making some serials and receiving National Award in 1986, why did you quit making serials?
GURBIR S. GREWAL I never quit making serials. I was just waiting for something that suits my taste. I have already directed 25 serials and nearly 50 documentaries.

Currently, I am shooting for a daily soap ‘Akhiyan Ton Door Jayin Na’ on ETC Punjabi. It is first ever daily soap on private national channel.

LIVE PUNJAB: Besides producing two films, why haven’t you produced any Punjabi flick yet?
GURBIR S. GREWAL I did not produce but directed and wrote the two films. I have two Punjabi film scripts ready with me, but as I said earlier, I make films on my terms and to which most producers do not agree. They want to make the usual stuff, cast a singer and make another film, which is not my cup of tea. But soon I will make a Punjabi film which will be different than the usual stuff.

LIVE PUNJAB: The Punjabi film industry has only a handful of actors and stars working for it, and they are also singer-turned-actors. What do you think is the reason?
GURBIR S. GREWAL I don’t think there is any dearth of actors in Punjab. It’s only that people are scared of working with new people, totally ignoring the fact that once the present successful singers were also new.

Our producers and directors only want to work with successful singers who may or may not be good actors. The trend needs to be broken and new actors need to be launched.

LIVE PUNJAB: Why do you think is the Punjabi cinema lagging behind? What can be done to promote it among the mainstream movie-buffs?
GURBIR S. GREWAL It is very unfortunate that in spite of Punjabis being spread over the globe, the Punjabi Cinema has not given a single film which is recognized on world platform. We have not touched our literature or real culture. Forget about it, we simply go for formulas. Cinema without content will never be recognized on international platform.

LIVE PUNJAB: Now, you are coming up with a new serial ‘Akhiyan Ton Door Jaayin Na’ on ETC Punjabi. Can you please brief us about it?
GURBIR S. GREWAL At this point of time, I am bound by my agreement with the channel so I cannot reveal except that it represents true modern Punjab and present day problems in modern Punjab.

LIVE PUNJAB: If given an option to choose between serials and cinema. Which one would you chose?
GURBIR S. GREWAL It is like asking whether you love your daughter or son. TV is very powerful medium, and cinema is larger than life. Both are very dear to me. I am not amongst those who denounce TV.

LIVE PUNJAB: Currently, you are teaching cinema in an institute in Noida. Please share your teaching experiences with us.
GURBIR S. GREWAL Teaching gives me a kick. Young students give you a challenge and I am forced to update my knowledge.

LIVE PUNJAB: What are the three most important things a director should remember while directing a film?
GURBIR S. GREWAL According to me, the three things are subject, conviction and honesty to the subject.

LIVE PUNJAB: Every director has a dream project. What is yours?
GURBIR S. GREWAL I have a script ready with me; let us see whether I get an opportunity in my life time to make it.

LIVE PUNJAB: One big change that you would like to bring about in Punjabi cinema?
GURBIR S. GREWAL I want to see Punjabi films get international recognition at top international festivals. We have the subjects and scripts but no producers who have the passion and love for the language.