Cinema can change the perception of society and its impact is immense. New filmmakers are coming with new and interesting ideas. Good content and crisp script are important aspects of today’s filmmaking. One such is “Anaarkali of Aarah” by journalist-turned- film director Avinash Das. In Capital for the film’s music launch, he talked about his film, how it came into being and its songs.
Excerpts:
On the subject
It is a story on street singer and dancer Anaarkali and it is based in Arrah which is a small town and headquarters of Bhojpur district in Bihar. This part of Bihar is well known for such singers and dancers. The idea to make film on this subject hit me when I was doing a story on such singer and dancer Tara in Uttar Pradesh for a news channel. In 2006, I did the story and that time I thought of making a documentary but that did not happen.
When in 2011, when a Vice Chancellor misbehaved with a singer in Bihar, I decided to make a film and started writing it in 2012.
On why the story is based in Arrah
I had very good reason to base the story in this town of Bihar. I hail from Darbhanga and I am well acquainted with Arrah. I have been visiting the place since my school days. I was aware of language, dialect and area very well. And there is tradition in Arrah of such street singers and dancers. So, I thought the story should be based in Arrah.
On how his journalism helped in filmmaking
This is my first feature film and my approach and style was to make it realistic. My journalism background helped me in keeping things real. I wanted to portray my character in real way. Swara Bhaskar who is playing the lead role of Anaarkali spent 20 days in Arrah to understand the approach of the character. She spent time with one such troupe Munni Orchestra in Arrah. We also did a language workshop with local theatre group for the actors.
On choosing Swara Bhaskar
Swara Bhaskar was not in my mind for the role of Anaarkali. But, eventually I roped in her to play the role of Anaarkali. She is a good friend and I gave her the script to read and make it politically correct. But, circumstances led me to cast her as Anaarkali and she definitely was the right actor for the role of Anaarkali.
On songs being racy and double-meaning
All the songs are very important for the film. The essence of the character Anaarkali is based on these songs. So, these songs are important to bring the realistic approach of the character on the screen. Sonu Nigam and Rekha Bhardwaj have sung for the film. It is a social film but there is also political aspect in the story and songs.
