Pritish Nandy, known for taking mainstream stars and transforming them into character actors, has this to say to Bollywood via Twitter: “Time for a real change.”
In an extended Twitter rant, the poet-producer proclaimed, “The assumption that audiences are dreary old fools who love watching regurgitated nonsense is a fallacy. That’s how saas bahu sagas died.”
Er, those who enjoy Sapna Babul Ka… Bidaai andKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi might quibble with his saas-bahu obituary, but Nandy-sahib didn’t let that stop him. He continued, “Creative energy is born out of new ideas, new talent. Bollywood needs that energy. The Hangover showed it. See the results! Busted the BO.” Men with successful films already under their belts wrote, directed, and produced The Hangover, but perhaps Pritish was referring to the relatively unknown actors in the lead roles.
However, Pritish, who will be working with Amitabh Bachchan in his next venture, didn’t let actors off the hook either. “Stars must midwife change,” he proclaimed. “Time SRK gave a rest to Karan Johar n made a movie with a fresh young 1st timer. Will refresh his imagery, give him a new burst of energy!”
He might just have a point with that last; after all, the last time Shah Rukh Khan chose to work with a first-time director they gave the world Main Hoon Na. Unfortunately, Pritish didn’t seem to hold out much hope for change. “Risk taking is not in Bollywood’s genetic code. Everyone hangs onto the familiar n perpetuates the boring… I am as guilty as the next guy. We all feed off each other’s insecurities n perpetuate the cycle of endless nonsense.”
Those interested in reading more of Pritish Nandy’s musings on topics ranging from social issues, holidays, films, and even the weather, can follow his account on Twitter: @PritishNandy.
