MS Sathyu keen to bring Dara Shikoh's life to the screen

Filmmaker, theatre person, artist and architect, MS Sathyu turned 90 earlier this month. He's embraced the new normal and spoke to us about his lockdown birthday celebration, on a video call. "There would have been a party at home. But, unfortunately we couldn't have it. We also told people not to come or send flowers or gifts. This whole virus thing has upset all our lives," says the veteran filmmaker, adding that he is not a fan of digital technology, but has now been forced to think digitally, by the pandemic.
The self taught fim maker graduated from Central College, Bengaluru, and took off to Mumbai to find a career in films. "I did not go to art school or a film or theatre institute. Everything I've learnt was by working as an apprentice," says the creator of the acclaimed film Garm Hawa. "There are no formulas when it comes to making a good film or something that goes on to become a classic. Somehow, it so happened that my very first attempt at making a feature film reached a certain peak," he says, about the 1974 classic about the partition. "I feel an intense connection with sharing a cause, as the medium gives you the opportunity to directly or indirectly influence many who watch. There is a big responsibility on the maker," he shares.
But why has he not directed a film in over a decade? "There have been many conversations. But there isn't someone to fund the kind of film I would like to make. It is the question of choice. I am prepared to look at even OTT as a medium, but the subject matter is important. One cannot indulge in something one doesn't believe in. If one has spent so many decades in the field, one cannot afford to waste that now," he responds.
We hear that the veteran has been thinking about a new project - filming his theatrical adaptation of the life of Shah Jahan's son, Dara Shikoh. "It will require a big cast. I want to make it in Hindi and Urdu, but it can be dubbed in all languages, given the technology and resources available today," he shares, adding that Dara Shikoh's life is relevant more than ever today. "He preached secular values at a time when India was ruled by Muslims. Today, when there is a threat to the secular fabric, his life is relevant," he adds.
Before signing off, we couldn't let him go without asking him the secret to staying young at heart. He says, "The mind and body always crave things. Don't dissatisfy them. If there is a desire, see that it is fulfilled - that keeps you thinking. The body crumbles as you grow older. But, you try as far as possible. It is a question of your attitude. Don't think about disease or death. Think about the best, 90 is just an age."