A wake-up call
G. Jayakumar
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Rahul Dholakia says he had to make `Parzania' to tell the world what happened in the aftermath of Godhra.
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If I did not express myself, then I would be as guilty as those who committed the acts. Rahul Dholakia
One of the most talked about films at the International Film Festival of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, was `Parzania,' co-produced and directed by U.S.-based Rahul Dholakia. Based on the post-Godhra riots of February 2002, Parzania is a daring exposure of how the Gujarat's government machinery failed to protect its own citizens, just because they belonged to a particular community. The stark portrayal of the butchering of innocents by fanatics left viewers shaken. In an interview, Dholakia talks about the movie. Excerpts
Your film centres around a Parsi family whose 10-year old son goes missing during the riots.
It actually happened. I know the family. We were in Ahmedabad together. One month prior to the riots we spent time together in Ahmedabad, flying kites... And after a month, you see what happened. It shook not only Gujarat, the rest of the world as well. So, I felt I had to make some kind of a statement or say the story. If I did not express myself, then I would be as guilty as those who committed the acts. There is also the fervent hope that through this media we may be able to return the missing child to his parents.
How was the film funded?
Partly by me. Looking for partners to finance, I met with Kamal Patel and K.B. Sareen. They read the script. I told them `consider your money gone.' They agreed. Deferred payments from actors and crew helped. Even Zakir Hussein said `don't pay me, pay my musicians.'
What is the purpose of the character of the American who comes to study about Gandhiji?
To bring home the point that this has happened in Ahmedabad, which is Gandhiji's own city and where there is his ashram. And 50 years later we seem to have forgotten him, the Father of the Nation. We observe his Jayanti and all that; we have not taken anything from him.
One of your characters makes the statement: "Religion is the cause of the problem and also its solution." Is that your view too?
Religion plays a role in everybody's lives. I think it's just that when you use religion to create hatred, it becomes evil. When I got my censor certificate, I went to a church, Sidhivinayak, a dargah and Mahalaxmi temple, like I did when I passed my tenth examination.
How was it working with Naseeruddin Shah?
Naseer is a brilliant actor. I didn't even expect that he would do it. He is such a big actor. I met him and narrated the script to him. `Fine,' he said, `in principle I agree but subject to the screenplay being OK with me.' So, we went back and forth for six to eight months till it was finally complete.
About Zakir Hussein's music?
Music is so important. Music is supportive of the character's performance. It's not something that is highlighting the whole thing. It only adds to the flow of the film. And that's what Zakir has done. For one of the songs, he worked till midnight, the next day he had to go abroad at five in the morning. If a man of such a stature as Zakir can be so dedicated and time, it motivates you to do your job better.
Future plans/ projects?
Before going back I would like to see some of films of M.T. Vasudevan Nair. I have read about M.T. after coming here. Then for future projects, I have no clue. Right now I want to distribute this film and make sure it's done well. But I'll try to make something interesting. I'm not sure it'll be as dynamic as `Parzania.' You can only attempt something better.
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