Renowned filmmaker Mira Nair, celebrated for her groundbreaking works such as ‘Salaam Bombay,’ ‘The Namesake,’ and ‘Monsoon Wedding,’ has not only left an indelible mark on the world of cinema but continues to inspire audiences worldwide. At the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023, where she currently serves as the Head of the Jury for the South Asia Competition, Nair shared insightful glimpses into her early influences in the world of cinema and her very first student thesis, ‘Jama Masjid Street Journal.’
Early Cinema Memories: Escapism and ‘Doctor Zhivago’
Mira Nair fondly reminisces about her early years in Bhubaneswar, where cinemas were a rare luxury. She reveals, "We grew up in Bhubaneswar, which was one long street with eight clubs, eight bungalows, and one of those bungalows was a Bhubaneswar club. And that’s where, you know, we’d have fancy dress competitions, and we would have one chadar against the verandah wall, and there, once a month, we would see a Hindi movie." It was in this unique setting that her cinematic journey began.
Nair’s first cinematic memory dates back to the classic ‘Hariyali Aur Raasta.’ The allure of music and the unabashed escapism in cinema struck a chord with her. Recalling those days when there were hardly any theaters, she said, "I love music, and I love the sort of escapist, unabashed escapism of that. So that was the first film." But it was ‘Doctor Zhivago,’ the one English film that graced their Sunday mornings, that left an indelible impression on her.
"In the old days, there was bijli and there was something called ‘power.’ We would go and see ‘Doctor Zhivago’ and we used to sweat because the power would run the projector and ‘bijli’ would run fans."
Satyajit Ray’s Profound Influence
It was not until Mira Nair ventured to Cambridge, thanks to a scholarship at Harvard, that she truly delved into the world of cinema. Her serious encounter with the cinema of Satyajit Ray marked a pivotal moment in her cinematic journey. She recounted, "It was only when I went to Cambridge, to this scholarship at Harvard, that that’s when I saw, seriously, the first Satyajit Ray films. You know, I saw the Apu trilogy over and over again. I would go to the Museum of Modern Art." The works of the legendary Indian filmmaker sparked a deep appreciation for storytelling through cinema.
Nair’s connection with Satyajit Ray went beyond admiration. She approached him with a request to be his assistant. This was the beginning of a cherished dialogue with Ray, and Nair even spoke about the friendship and correspondence she was fortunate to have with him.
‘Jama Masjid Street Journal’: The Genesis
One of the most intriguing facets of Nair’s cinematic journey is the origin of her first documentary, ‘Jama Masjid Street Journal.’ She describes it as her "first thesis, my student thesis, which is where I had to shoot, direct, edit everything." The documentary offered a unique perspective on life around ‘Jama Masjid.’ It’s fascinating to learn that Nair’s cinematic roots can be traced back to this early project.
Mira Nair’s narrative not only offers insights into her personal cinematic journey but also exemplifies the transformative power of cinema itself. From her early influences to the creation of her first student thesis, ‘Jama Masjid Street Journal,’ Nair’s story at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival provides a vivid glimpse into the world of a visionary filmmaker.
In a world where cinema continues to evolve, Mira Nair remains a significant influencer and a storyteller who captures hearts and minds with her films, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends borders.
Mira Nair talks about her early influences of cinema, and her first student thesis ‘Jama Masjid Street Journal’ at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, highlighting the importance of personal cinematic journeys in shaping a celebrated filmmaker’s path.
Unveiling ‘Jama Masjid Street Journal’ at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival
Who is Mira Nair?
Mira Nair, celebrated for her cinematic masterpieces such as ‘Salaam Bombay!,’ ‘The Namesake,’ and ‘Monsoon Wedding,’ stands as a prominent figure in the world of filmmaking. Currently, she serves as the Head of the Jury for the South Asia Competition at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023. Nair’s illustrious career in cinema has been marked by a string of groundbreaking films, cementing her status as a renowned director with a profound impact on the industry.
What was Mira Nair’s First Movie?
Mira Nair’s debut feature film, released in 1988, marked a significant milestone in her career. This Hindi-language crime drama delved into the lives of children residing in the slums of Mumbai while shining a spotlight on the intricate world of organized crime in India. It served as the filmmaker’s inaugural venture into the world of cinema, setting the stage for her remarkable contributions to the film industry.
What Makes Mira Nair a Great Filmmaker?
Mira Nair’s greatness as a filmmaker is defined by her unwavering dedication to infusing realism into her diverse range of films. Regardless of the geographic settings, cultures, or themes explored, a common thread in Nair’s work is her commitment to authenticity. This commitment is, in part, a product of her extensive background in documentary filmmaking. While her movies often encompass broad and dramatic narratives, they consistently utilize real locations, adding a genuine and immersive quality to her storytelling.
Did You Know Mira Nair Loves Music & Escapism?
Mira Nair, celebrated for her groundbreaking films such as ‘Salaam Bombay!,’ ‘The Namesake,’ and ‘Monsoon Wedding,’ has an interesting side that often goes unnoticed. Amidst her path-breaking cinematic ventures, she holds a deep appreciation for the enchanting world of music and the escapism it offers. It’s a lesser-known facet of her multifaceted personality that adds a unique layer to her artistic endeavors.
What Were Mira Nair’s Early Cinematic Influences?
Satyajit Ray’s films played a pivotal role in shaping Mira Nair’s profound connection with cinema. She reflects on this influence, stating, "It was only when I went to Cambridge, to this scholarship at Harvard, that that’s when I saw, seriously, the first Satyajit Ray films." Nair’s exposure to the works of the legendary Indian filmmaker, especially the Apu trilogy, instilled a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling through cinema. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey in the world of film.
How Did Mira Nair Start Her Film Career?
Mira Nair’s journey into the world of filmmaking commenced with a focus on documentaries that delved into Indian cultural traditions. During her film thesis at Harvard, spanning from 1978 to 1979, Nair created a noteworthy black-and-white film titled ‘Jama Masjid Street Journal.’ This early work marked a significant milestone in the beginnings of her illustrious film career, setting the stage for her future contributions to the world of cinema.
Why Did Nair Refuse to Attend the Haifa International Film Festival?
In a notable decision in July 2013, Mira Nair turned down an invitation to the Haifa International Film Festival, where she was to be a "guest of honor," as an act of protest against Israel’s policies concerning Palestine. Expressing her stance on Twitter, Nair firmly stated, "I will go to Israel when the walls come down." This principled stand exemplifies her commitment to social and political issues, transcending the realm of filmmaking.
